Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman

Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman is an Associate Professor of English at Coppin State University and the second Poet Laureate of Prince George’s County, Maryland. She is a founder of nonprofits including Black Writers for Peace and Social Justice and Black Family Homeschool Educators and Scholars. Her work blends artistic expression, education advocacy, and community empowerment.

Education:

• B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (UMBC, 1995)
• M.A. (Towson University)
• Ph.D. (Morgan State University)

Research & Advocacy: Focused on African American literature, social justice, and educational equity. She pioneered initiatives like the Black Arts Movement symposium series and supports marginalized homeschooling families through her 2020-founded nonprofit.

Awards: 2024 UMBC Outstanding Alumni Award, recognizing her interdisciplinary impact. Mentors include UMBC’s Jamie Washington and Acklyn Lynch, who shaped her approach to racial dialogue and community building.

Public Engagement: Collaborates with libraries, schools, and cultural institutions to amplify underrepresented voices. Her poetry and teaching reflect a commitment to 'systems mindset' in fostering inclusive spaces.