In a world where art intersects with culture and education, there are individuals who stand out for their dedication to uplifting marginalized voices and empowering communities. One such inspiring figure is Dr. Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman, a visionary cultural curator, poet laureate, and founder of the Liberated Muse Arts Group. 🎨✨

In a recent episode of Business Story of the Week with host Joshua Lori, Dr. Khadijah shared her insights on using art to liberate voices, particularly through storytelling and education. Her journey is a powerful example of how creativity can be harnessed to bring about social change.

From Childhood to a Voice for Liberation

Dr. Khadijah’s love for words began at a young age. “I learned to read when I was 3 years old,” she recalls, explaining how the magic of words opened up new worlds for her. As a child, she would dress up and act out scenes from her favorite movie, The Wiz, and her passion for storytelling only grew from there. 📚

It wasn’t just about reading and writing; it was about understanding the power of words—how they could be used to connect, heal, and empower. This understanding is something that Dr. Khadijah carries into her work today, whether as a poet, playwright, or cultural curator.

The Impact of Art: Written vs. Spoken Word

When asked how she approaches the written and spoken word differently, Dr. Khadijah’s answer was illuminating. “Writing for the page is very different than writing for performance,” she explains. As someone who has performed poetry for over 20 years, including at the prestigious Kennedy Center, she knows firsthand the importance of both mediums.

While spoken word allows for expression through pauses, breath, and movement, written word leaves more room for interpretation by the reader. This makes the writer feel more vulnerable, as the audience can bring their own experiences to the text. Dr. Khadijah, however, embraces this vulnerability as part of her journey as a creator. ✍️

Cultural Curatorship: A Journey of Empowerment

Dr. Khadijah describes herself as a “cultural curator,” a term that beautifully captures her role in bringing communities together through art. Like a museum curator gathers exhibits, Dr. Khadijah gathers cultural experiences—whether through her research on homeschooling, her role as a performance artist, or her work with marginalized communities.

She emphasizes that cultural curatorship is about more than just creating art. It’s about crafting experiences that help others learn, grow, and feel seen. 🌍

Liberating Voices Through Art

One of Dr. Khadijah’s most exciting current projects is Black Writers for Peace and Social Justice, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Black writers to use their craft for liberation. Through writing workshops and educational programs, she helps participants see the transformative potential of their words.

For Dr. Khadijah, writing isn’t just an art form—it’s a tool for liberation. She encourages writers to draw inspiration from figures like James Baldwin and Zora Neale Hurston, who used their work to challenge societal norms and spark change. 💡

Final Thoughts

Dr. Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman is a beacon of creativity, using art as a means to uplift marginalized voices and foster community engagement. Her journey as a poet laureate, cultural curator, and educator is a testament to the power of storytelling.

If you’re curious to learn more about Dr. Khadijah’s work, you can visit her website at kadijahalicoleman.com or follow her on Instagram and TikTok @kadijahonline.

👉 Remember to check out her latest projects, including the American Institute for Homeschool Educators, which offers certification for those interested in working with homeschool children.