"This book was a compelling and enriching read. Through poetry, Dr. Khadijah explores the balance between ‘joy and pain,’ reminding us that joy and pain are integral parts of the human experience and the lived experience of the Black community, in particular.  From free verse to haikus and other poetic forms, Dr. Khadiah moves between historical and contemporary moments of happiness and struggles faced by us as a people." -David L. Weeks, Author

"The poem that I keep returning to in Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman’s latest chapbook, The Summoning of Black Joy, is Dresses. I find it revelatory...I heartily recommend The Summoning of Black Joy and look forward to receiving  Ali-Coleman’s most recent collection For Girls Who Do Too Much." -Tichaona Chinyelu, Author

In this captivating 2023 poetry collection by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman, the power of words becomes a force to reckon with. Through poignant verses written both before and during the COVID-19 global health pandemic, Ali-Coleman weaves a tapestry of emotions that delve into the ongoing struggle for the liberation of Black people in America.  With a skillful hand, Ali-Coleman memorializes the triumphs and tribulations of the Black community, their resilience shining through each line. From the haunting accounts of violence inflicted upon individuals like Ralph Yarl to the heart-wrenching proclamation from a protagonist channeling the Sandra Bland story, the poet lays bare the realities faced by Black people, unafraid to confront the depths of their pain.

Throughout "Summoning of Black Joy," Ali-Coleman utilizes a variety of poetic forms, effortlessly shifting between riveting free verse, evocative haiku, and stirring elegies. Each poem is a testament to the strength and beauty of Black culture, capturing the spirit of a community that has faced adversity with unwavering determination.  As the 2023-2025 Poet Laureate of Prince George's County, Maryland, Ali-Coleman toured the county sharing work from the book, bringing her profound understanding of the human experience and her unwavering dedication to social justice to the forefront. This collection speaks directly to the hearts of its readers, inspiring reflection, empathy, and a call to action. She presented the book through more than two dozen book signings and readings at venues including Busboys and Poets (Hyattsville, MD), Sankofa Videos and Book Cafe (Washington DC), Prince George's County Memorial Library System (Bowie, MD), Spit Dat Residency at Wooly Mammoth Theatre (Washington, DC), Dupont Underground (Washington, DC), City of Bowie Juneteenth Festival (Bowie, MD), National Harbor (Oxon Hill, MD), Planet Word Museum (Washington, DC), and more.