We had the good fortune of connecting with Aaliyah Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aaliyah, what do you want your legacy to be?
I want people to remember me as someone who tried to make people laugh. I don’t want people to think of me as someone who was always quiet, even though I can’t deny I appear that way. I do want to be remember as someone who wanted to go out and create new things.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My comedy is mainly based on Native humor. As in, being Native American, coming from the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe, we often use humor even in times of hardship. Native people are incredibly funny people. You know, we’re not the stereotypical stoic Indian you’d see in media. We are far from that. But a lot of the humor comes from the obstacles we’ve faced in history.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely take them to Graffiti Park. It’s a perfect spot with different murals and overall a picturesque place. From all the times I’ve visited, a lot of people come to have photo shoots and film music videos. I’d also take them to the Houston Aquarium. Of course, there might not be anything spectacular or anything inherently intriguing about it to some, but If you like anything fish related, then this is the place to go. But if you don’t like any of that, they have a small amusement park.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would to give a shout-out to my Ahpo, my grandmother, and my Uncle. One of the main components of my character Rolanda, has a wig I wear. I want to say thank you to my uncle for buying the wig or however he got the wig. And my Ahpo, for not throwing the wig away and leaving it in her bedroom so I could eventually find the wig.

Instagram: @cinniminnis0001

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nativerolanda?mibextid=dGKdO6

Youtube: @rolandajnative8609

Image Credits
Victoria Johnson

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