Aaron (AJ) Johnson
Owner, Oasis Fresh Market
Founder, The Oasis Projects
Aaron “AJ” Johnson is the Founder and CEO of Oasis Fresh Markets, the first full-service grocery store in 14 years in North Tulsa's predominantly Black neighborhood near Historic Greenwood’s Black Wall Street district. Even as a young boy growing up in Milwaukee, Johnson saw the tremendous differences between resourced and underserved communities. After moving to Oklahoma, he learned that residents in North Tulsa neighborhoods have a life expectancy 11 years shorter than those living in other Tulsa communities. Whether it was the school systems, playgrounds, or even access to grocery stores, many North Tulsa residents had to travel for miles to enjoy the same resources that non-distressed communities have readily available. Johnson also launched a nonprofit called The Oasis Projects to provide wrap-around services including rental and utility assistance, support for single parents, banking, workforce training, and health-related educational classes. Johnson believes the Oasis model provides a blueprint for under-served communities by equipping people for every aspect of a healthy life.
We are partnering with Oasis Fresh Markets this year, registration fees are WAIVED with the donation of an unwrapped toy!
