Work samples

  • Planting

    In 2024, Khadijah Ali-Coleman was awarded an Artist Fellowship from the Prince George's Arts and Humanities Council to expand the reach of her 2023 poetry collection, "The Summoning of Black Joy," by creating accompanying visual and audio components. For this project, she collaborated with Ben Dawson, a Prince George's County producer, multi-instrumentalist, and visual artist who is also her longtime creative and life partner. Dawson contributed his expertise by composing the music and soundscapes for each poem and engineering the recording sessions, bringing a new sensory dimension to her written work.

    Available for Purchase
  • A People's Poet and Activist Prayer by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman (Khadijah Moon)

    Dr. Khadjiah Z. Ali-Coleman as Khadijah Moon presented a set of poems during the "I Was Always Here" poetry component of the art exhibit of the same name.  These poems are excerpts from her poetry set. Both poems are featured in her poetry collection, The Summoning of Black Joy (2023).

     

  • MLK 2021 Celebration with Dr. Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman

    The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum presented an MLK weekend to commemorate civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during The Art of Activism: The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, a weekend of virtual programming from Friday, January 15 through Monday, January 18, 2021. Dr. Ali-Coleman was a featured presenter. She is a playwright, poet, singer, children’s book author and founder of Liberated Muse Arts Group. This poem is the title poem featured in her 2023 book, "The Summoning of Black Joy." This poem acknowledges that in order for joy to be summoned, one must reconcile with their feelings of anger, displacement and rage brought on by years of injustice and inequity. To know the light, one must acknowledge and reckon with the darkness.

  • Time is Different Now

    Time is Different Now (Slow Down) © 2020

    Written by Khadijah Ali-Coleman

     

    Verse 1:

    Time is different now

    Gone are the days of yesterday

    You give so much selfless devotion 

    But the time calls for better ways.

     

    Change your lens.

    Wipe away the mildew from your dreary past. 

    This new world requires you to be better than your very last.

     

    Chorus:

    Don’t you walk too fast in your hurry, slow down.

    Slow Down.

    Don’t you miss the sights on your journey, be still. 
    It’ll all be here.

     

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About Khadijah Z.

Baltimore City   Baltimore City Pennsylvania Avenue Black Arts and Entertainment District  

“Make up a story... For our sake and yours forget your name in the street; tell us what the world has been to you in the dark places and in the light. Don't tell us what to believe, what to fear. Show us belief's wide skirt and the stitch that unravels fear's caul.”
― Toni Morrison, The Nobel Lecture In Literature, 1993

Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman, EdD is a community organizer and cultural architect with over 20 years of experience transforming spaces into vibrant… more

View Khadijah Z.'s Resume
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The Summoning of Black Joy Book (2023) and Audio Project (2024)

"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.

  • "Planting" a poem by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman

    Visual poem, "Planting," from the book, The Summoning of Black Joy (2023)

    Written and read by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman

    Music by Ben Dawson, Jr. 

    Supported in part by a grant from the Prince George's Arts and Humanities Council

  • Sugar Soldiers

    This poem, "Sugar Soldiers" by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman is from her book, THE SUMMONING OF BLACK JOY that was released in 2023. The poem was written in response to the 2023 shooting of Ralph Yarl, a young Black teen who survived being shot by white man after knocking on his door by mistake, looking to pick up his younger brothers. Ali-Coleman reflects on growing up in the 1980's and knocking on doors to sell candy for her school's fundraiser each year, with no fear of being shot by strangers. This visual poem presentation features music by Ben Dawson, Jr. and visuals from Pexels.com. It is part of a larger project to translate the book of poems, The Summoning of Black Joy into an audio and video companion to the book, supported, in part, by the Prince George's County Arts and Humanities Council.

  • Book Cover
    Book Cover
  • Black People by Khadijah Ali-Coleman

    Prince George's County, MD Poet Laureate, Khadijah Ali-Coleman presented her poem, "Black People," during the inaugural Downtown Largo Placemaking Festival in Largo, MD. She was accompanied by Jabari Exum on djembe. This poem was part of a poetry set featuring poetry from the book, The Summoning of Black Joy.

  • Presenting Poetry from The Summoning of Black Joy
    Presenting Poetry from "The Summoning of Black Joy"

    Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman reciting poetry at the City of Laurel's annual Black History Month program in 2024

  • Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman Presents Her Poem “An Activist Prayer” in Havana, Cuba

    Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman is the 2nd Poet Laureate of Prince George’s County, Md and was in Cuba from Jan. 27-Feb. 3, 2024 with Busboys and Poets and Alice Walker to celebrate Langston Hughes! Did you know that he spent a considerable amount of time in Cuba during his lifetime? Langston Hughes had a close friendship with Cuban poet Nicholas Guilllen in the 30’s and translated some of Guillen’s early works. Hughes is also credited for influencing Guillen’s views on race and cultural pride among those of the African diaspora, views that came up in Guillen’s work and were trademarks of Hughes’ work. Alice Walker led the unveiling of a Langston Hughes statue on his 123rd birthday. The unveiling took place at Casa de la Portia in Havana, Cuba.

  • Ujima Poems for Kwanzaa by Khadijah Ali-Coleman

    Dr. Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman shared original poetry from her poetry collection, The Summoning of Black Joy in 2020 during the COVID-19 quarantine in a Kwanzaa virtual presentation presented by the Eubie Blake Jazz and Cultural Center in Baltimore, MD. 

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    • Plays

    • City In Transition: The Quadrant Series

      As a part of Theater Alliance’s ongoing commitment to telling local stories, we invited four playwrights from our Hothouse New Play Development program to create new plays anchored in each of the four quadrants of Washington, DC. By working with local organizations in each of these communities, the writers explored the issues, histories, and hopes from each part of our vibrant city. Written by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman, Avery Collins, Shalom Omo-Osagie, and Leslie Scott-Jones. Directed by Raymond O. Caldwell. Featuring Morgan Booth, Melissa Carter, Morgan Charece, Molly Cohen, Kelsey Delemar, Bayou Elom, Dylan Fleming, Charles Franklin IV, Nathanael Hatchett, Emmanuel Kyei-Baffour, Melanie Lawrence, Janelle Odom, Jennifer Osborn, Shannon Palmer, Llogan Peters, Nia Savoy, Kayla Warren, Kevin Thorne, Daniel Young. 

    • Miss Trudy's Birthday (Kennedy Center Page to Stage Festival)

      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 North Opera Tier Lounge in the Kennedy Center

    • Yo Mister by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman

      Yo Mister by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman, presented by Theater Alliance’s reading series for new short plays, Hothouse. This reading took place in October 2019.

    • POSTERBOARD by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman (Hothouse Reading Series-Theater Alliance DC)

      In response to Dominique Morrisesu’s play BLOOD AT THE ROOT, Theater Alliance in Washington DC put out a call for short plays for its Hothouse Reading Series. Five short plays were selected, including this play by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman. Recorded March 17, 2019 All rights reserved

    • The Understanding by Khadijah Ali-Coleman (3-4-16)

      Actors Dior Ashley Brown and Rayona L Young star in reading of Khadijah Ali-Coleman's short play "The Understanding" based on the short story written by Ali-Coleman called "Blu's Crisp Bills". This reading was part of Openstage's new works reading series at Corner Store Arts in Washington DC on March 4th.

    • View from the Porch by Khadijah Z Ali-Coleman

      This play was written by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman, Ed.D. and selected as a winning submission for Anacostia Playhouse's play festival, Silenced Voices. The festival was to take place in March 2020. The festival was canceled due to COVID-19. The play was later recorded as a staged reading and the festival was held online. Learn more about Anacostia Playhouse and the cast and crew of this production here: https://www.anacostiaplayhouse.com/si... Learn more about Khadijah Z.

    • When We Were Goddesses at Baltimore Theatre Project

      Liberated Muse Arts Group debuted WHEN WE WERE GODDESSES presented by ARTSCAPE festival in Baltimore, MD on July 22, 2017 Story by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman Lyrics by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman & Angela Ballard Music composed by Ben Dawson, Jr. Co-Directed by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman and Khari Dawson full cast and crew program at http://www.liberatedmuse.com

      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.

    • In Her Words Mini Documentary

      In 2012 the stage presentation In Her Words debuted. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at the first season in 2012.

    • Scenes from Running: AMOK

      Running: AMOK was written in 2009 by performance artist Khadijah Ali-Coleman who wanted to bring to stage a story about the dirty and ugly of becoming a new mother, mixed in with the beautiful enlightenment that comes from chance meetings with kindred spirits. Partnering with musician Gary Young, Khadijah wrote lyrics and brought to Gary arrangements that he magically created beautiful accompaniment for. In 2010, the play opened in the 5th annual Capital Fringe Fest and enjoyed attendance from some of Washington DC's movers & shakers.

    • Play Montage (Artscape) 2018

      Plays written by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman

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    • Short Films

    • Bunt

      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.

    • BRACELET | 2017 48 Hour HORROR Film Project (DC) TRAILER

      Nominated for BEST SCORE and BEST FILM PRODUCER by the Washington DC 48 Film Project "Best Of" Awards. Join us for our SECOND screening of this film on Monday, Dec. 11 online on Facebook. Visit http://www.liberatedmuse.com for more information. Liberated Muse Arts Group premiered their film BRACELET in the 2017 48 Film Horror Project screening on Tue, Oct 31, 2017 @ 9:15pm Landmark E Street Cinema located at 555 11th St.

    • ALLERGIC (2021 entry 48 Hour Film Project Global Film Challenge)

      Team Liberated Muse produced ALLERGIC in 48 hours for the DC 48 Hour Film Project/Global Film Challenge. Written by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman, Khari Dawson and Ben Dawson, Jr. Directed by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman. Cinematography by Ben Dawson, Jr. All featured illustrations by Ben Dawson, Jr. The mandatory elements that had to be in the film were: -An illustrator named Lily or Lyle -A plant -The phrase "What didn't I think of that?" -Sci fi, western or musical film genre. We chose sci fi. Song "Far Gone" performed by Khadijah Moon, written by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman, music by Ben Dawson, Jr.

    • Who Is Liberated Muse?

      A short film about the arts collective Liberated Muse Arts Group.

    • Remember Who You Are by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman
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    • The Soundtrack of Social Justice - Millennium Stage (February 21, 2025)

    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. The performance was scheduled in 2024 but took place in 2025, less than a few days after the US president took over as chairman of the venue. Boycotts ensued. I decided to move forward with the performance because the subject matter was timely and appropriate for the times we are in. Our performance was covered by numerous news agencies largely because of my decision to move forward with the performance.

    • Liberated Muse: The Soundtrack of Social Justice - Millennium Stage (February 21, 2025)
    • Liberated Muse Performs at Kennedy Center Amidst Controversy

      Liberated Muse presented their musical presentation, "The Soundtrack of Social Justice" at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC on Feb. 21, 2025 during the center's Social Impact endowment-funded programming. Less than a month previous to the show, Donald Trump had fired the center's executive director and replaced members of the board of directors. He then declared himself the president of the board. In response to this unprecedented disruption, screenwriter Shonda Rhimes resigned from the board and actress/producer Issa Rae canceled her paid ticket event that had sold out. Liberated Muse's director, Khadijah Z. Coleman decided to keep the date as an act of resistance to tyranny. Victor Blackwell of the CNN show, "First of All" interviewed her.

    • Liberated Muse on WUSA Channel 9
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    • "What About These Jobs?" (2024)

    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.

    • UMBC 2024 Winter Commencement Keynote Address
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    Liberated Muse Presents Voices of Freedom and Resistance - Millennium Stage (February 22, 2024)

    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.

    • Liberated Muse Presents Voices of Freedom and Resistance - Millennium Stage (February 22, 2024)

      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. Original music, poems and script written and directed by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman

      Learn more about Liberated Muse at LiberatedMuse.com

       

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    Zora Past the Sun (2019-2023)

    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: Zora Past the Sun - Millennium Stage (January 20, 2023)

      Liberated Muse Arts Group presents Zora Past the Sun, a musical and poetic birthday tribute to literary icon Zora Neale Hurston. The mission of Liberated Muse Arts is to engage intergenerational audiences through music performances and multidisciplinary productions that center the works and social justice efforts of people of the African diaspora. Founded in 2008 and led by Khadijah Ali-Coleman, Liberated Muse presents engaging performances that are both entertaining and educational.

    • Zora Neale Hurston Tribute Show- Alexandria Library (2019)

      Liberated Muse presented an engaging tribute to Zora Neale Hurston, introducing audiences to her life, her books, relationships with other writers and her impact on American culture. This video was filmed at the Charles Beatley Library in Alexandria, VA. The script (including select songs such as "Zora, That's Who", ) was written and directed by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman. 

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    • Song of a Space Cadet (2016)

    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.

    • Unbound

      Song "Unbound" from the 2016 CD titled, Song of a Space Cadet by Khadijah Moon. Song earned Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman a 2015 Maryland State Arts Council Independent Artist Award for Non-Classical Vocal Performance.

      Written and performed by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman as Khadijah Moon

      Music produced by Ben Dawson, Jr.

    • Far Gone

      From the debut CD by Khadijah Moon, writtend during the presidential debates before the US presidential election of 2016, this prophetic song speaks to the rise of Donald Trump as a presidential candidate by personifying America as a woman gone mad.

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