What do we need for a just world? Are the answers in the songs and poetry created throughout time? Liberated Muse presents The Soundtrack for Social Justice, a poetic and musical reflection on the ways we can manifest a world of fairness and equity where human rights are recognized and upheld. This dynamic show showcases the impact of creatives who used their platform for social justice, with special tribute to the iconic Nikki Giovanni, who passed away on December 9, 2024. Liberated Muse is a multidisciplinary arts group that was founded in 2008 by Dr. Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman, the second poet laureate of Prince George’s County, Maryland, and author of the books For the Girls Who Too Much and The Summoning of Black Joy. 

Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman wrote the script for this stage performance and the poems presented throughout the show (with the exception of the poem by Nikki Giovanni, presented in her honor). This performance was recorded on the Millennium Stage at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.

"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.

2024 UMBC Winter Commencement speech presented by Dr. Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman, ending with her poem, "What About These Jobs?" Dr. Ali-Coleman was named a 2024 UMBC Outstanding Alumni by the UMBC Alumni Association, invited by the president of UMBC to present the keynote for the winter commencement.

Liberated Muse Arts Group—led by Dr. Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman, the 2023–2025 Poet Laureate of Prince George’s County, MD—presents a musical and poetic tribute to the African-American efforts of freedom and resistance from 1619 to present day. The show highlights the work of social justice icons Fannie Lou Hamer, Ida B. Wells, Ella Baker, and more.

Named after a poem by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman dedicated to Zora Neale Hurston, this multidisciplinary interactive production, "Zora Past the Sun," was first presented to libraries and special events before COVID-19 and then presented as a music performance on the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage in 2023. Script, included original poems and music, written by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman.

Liberated Muse Arts Group presents their indie short film BUNT, a recent entry in the Washington DC 48 Hour Film Challenge. BUNT is a sports comedy starring Lyn Artope, Susan O'Hara, Timothy Honablew and introducing Lisette Ruth-Stovall. Written and directed by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman, Score by Ben Dawson, Jr. BUNT won BEST ORIGINAL SONG award in the 2018 Washington DC 48-Hour Film Project Best Of Awards The award-winning music was produced by Chez Soleil Music (http://www.chezsoleilmusic.com), a music production partnership between Ben "Beta" Dawson, Jr. and Khadijah "Moon" Ali-Coleman. Listen to music from the film here: "Manic Ride"  / manic-ride-fly-so-high-away   "This Is It"  / this-is-it  

Cast Size

5—20

Genre

fable/folktale, fantasy, musical

Synopsis:

A young girl leaves her camping group in anger, meeting a mysterious woman in the forest. 

Premiered in 2017 at Artscape in Baltimore, MD at the Baltimore Theatre Project. Full staged production by Liberatd Muse Arts Group.

Songs from the play written by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman (with the exception of "Ma'at" written by Angela Ballard) have been performed since 2017 in various Liberated Muse performances.

Liberated Muse participated in the musical theater challenge "Up All Night Singing - 48 Hour Musicals" curated by Dara Singer of Too Much Damn Theatre. This challenge was part of the 2017 Page to Stage festival that the Kennedy Center presents. WHAT IS THIS: Five 10-minute musicals within 48 hours made by five different musical theater teams. LIBERATED MUSE was one of the teams. Each team had the challenge to write, compose, rehearse, and stage their musical within the space of 48 hours. NOTHING was created beforehand. The Liberated Muse Arts Team consisted of: Writer/Lyricist: Khadijah "Moon" Ali-Coleman Composer: Ben Dawson, Jr. Director: Khari Dawson Actors: Colie Aziza, Anonamas, Lori Madison, CynDiva Harcum

Song of a Space Cadet is the 2016 debut release by Khadijah Moon (Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman)featuring songs written by Ali-Coleman and music produced by Ben Dawson, Jr. Ali-Coleman debuted the music through a one-woman stage show of the same name premiering in Artscape in Baltimore, MD in 2016 at the Baltimore Theatre Project. Songs in the collection address her relationship with her late mother, American politics, fated relationships and the never-ending quest for self-love and acceptance. Ali-Coleman as Khadijah Moon performed songs from the collection for years on stages including the ARTOMATIC, DC's Art All Night Festival, the Baltimore Book Festival at the Inner Harbor,  and Adams Morgan Day Festival.

Running: AMOK is a poignant and powerful stage musical that premiered in 2009, born from the creative vision of performance artist Khadijah Ali-Coleman. The play fearlessly explores the complex, often unspoken realities of new motherhood, juxtaposing the "dirty and ugly" struggles with the moments of beautiful enlightenment that can emerge from unexpected connections. The story is brought to life through an evocative blend of drama, comedy, and original music. Partnering with musician Gary Young, Ali-Coleman wrote lyrics and melodies that Young transformed into a stunning musical accompaniment. Critics praised the score as "slow-burning little gems: some smoky, some bluesy, some sparkly" (DC Theatre Scene), highlighting its emotional depth and variety. Listen at: https://liberatedmuse.bandcamp.com/album/running-amok-the-soundtrack

After its successful debut at the 2010 Capital Fringe Festival, where it attracted attention from Washington DC's cultural influencers, Running: AMOK returned for an acclaimed five-day run in 2011. This production was presented by the DC Black Theatre Festival (DCBTF) and featured an incredible cast of singers and actresses, supported by a new live band.  Hailed by critics as "funny, poignant, and emotional" (DirtyPrettyThangs.com), Running: AMOK is more than a musical—it's a raw and authentic look at the journey of motherhood, the search for self, and the transformative power of finding kindred spirits.

Watch excerpts from the 2011 run at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5ktRUOkul0&t=171s