In the vibrant city of Fresno, California, amidst a group of four ambitious women, the spark of creativity contributed to a unique character named Avva Lemon. Conceived as a part of "Avva's Vision," originally intended to be a simple coloring book teaching children about entrepreneurship, Avva Lemon evolved into something greater—a beacon of empowerment urging kids to harness their passions and entrepreneurial spirit to become their own superheroes.
The journey to bring Avva Lemon to life was not without
its hurdles. While the concept was easy to formulate, the initial challenge was in finding an artist to capture the essence of the character. Enter Dr. Fitzalbert "Bert" Marius, a figure whose remarkable legacy extends far beyond the realms of artistry.
A prominent Fresno physician, pioneer, and activist, Dr. Marius's contributions to the medical field are nothing short of extraordinary. Not only was he the first African American to perform open-heart surgery in Fresno, but he also amassed a staggering tally of over 11,000 such surgeries throughout his illustrious 50-year career.
Born in Panama and raised in the vibrant streets of Harlem, Dr. Marius's journey to medical greatness was anything but conventional. Before donning the mantle of a doctor, he honed his skills as a tailor and served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II as part of the 725th Medical Sanitary Company. Graduating from Howard University College of Medicine in 1954, Dr. Marius's passion for healing was only matched by his diverse talents—he was an accomplished musician, poet, author, painter, golfer, and teacher.
Despite his numerous accolades, Dr. Marius remained deeply rooted in his community, tirelessly championing causes close to his heart. His commitment to nurturing the next generation was unwavering, as evidenced by his active involvement in mentoring young minds and advocating for education.
In a turn of events, Dr. Marius lent his expertise to the realization of Avva Lemon's first visual identity—a collaboration that breathed life into the character's vibrant persona.
The official illustration of Avva Lemon was meticulously created by the talented hands of illustrator Rachel York, whose artistic vision brought the superhero to vivid storyline.
Originally illustrated in 2018, Avva’s Vision was introduced to small communities in Fresno and made for a great summer activity. Avva Lemon’s vibrant look hasn’t changed much - and she’s making her way back to the drawing table.
Avva Lemon hopes continue to inspire young minds, instilling in them the belief that they possess the power to shape their destinies. As her adventures unfold in the pages of "Avva Lemon and The Discovery of James' Superpower," launching in March, she hopes to be a beacon of hope and empowerment for generations to come.
In celebrating the development of Avva Lemon, we honor not only the character's progress but also the remarkable individuals who contributed to her creation—a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, creativity, and unwavering determination.
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Illustrations by Dr. Marius, 2018