Thank you for joining us.
We celebrated the launch of the Spring 2026 issue of The Rebel’s Zeitgeist on Friday, April 24, 2026 at Ivy Bookshop in Baltimore, MD with a literary salon featuring guest editors, writers Synnika Alek-Chizoba Lofton and Khari Dawson and contributors to the Spring 2026 and Summer 2025 issues.This launch was moderated by Coppin State University associate professor, Dr. Khadijah Ali-Coleman, the author of three poetry collections, including For the Girls Who Do Too Much, and the second Poet Laureate of Prince George’s County, Maryland from 2023 to 2025. Dr. Ali-Coleman is founder of Black Writers for Peace and Social Justice, Inc. and the current executive director.
Read Our Latest Issue of
Rebel's Zeitgeist
Amplifying voices that explore themes of social justice, radical resistance, and the revolutionary liminal spaces that shape identity, The Rebel’s Zeitgeist seeks to publish work that challenges the status quo, offers new perspectives on systemic injustices, and celebrates the rich diversity of the Black experience.
The Spring 2026 issue’s theme is, “Beyond the Bearing of Witness.” Contributors include those with work that explores themes addressing the nature of resistance and the fight for liberation.
Testimonials
I want to shout out the Writing for Liberation Teach-In because I learned so much from the well-rounded panelists and different sessions! So thank you to everyone involved.
Not only did I leave with an extensive reading list, but I've had these questions turning around at the front of my mind for the past week or so since they were posed in one of the Teach-In sessions: what ways are you engaging with your communities as a writer? How does your writing reach a place of honesty?
Isabella S.
"Got to attend [the panel discussion, 'Lives & Works of George Schuyler, Richard Wright, Paul Robeson, Margaret Walker & Jean Toomer'] yesterday. I loved the productive and inspirational energy all three panelists brought while discussing African American poetry during the Harlem Renaissance."
Zayne A.
"I had so much fun! I walked away feeling the best I’ve ever felt. It felt like I went to church and was prayed over by trusting hands. Thank you so much @khadijahonline for curating this space and for inviting me to participate [in the Rebel's Zeitgeist reading.] This was such a healing space for me.
Nicole Y.
Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who participated in the inaugural Writing for Liberation virtual teach-in. Over 100 writers registered for the teach-in which featured interviews, panels, readings, and workshops centering the brilliance of over a dozen Black writers who are writing for liberation. Featured writers included: Prince Shakur, Lynnette Johnson, Tongo Eisen-Martin, Ray Winbush, Adrienne Ingrum, Kymone Freeman, Zelda Lockhart, Kim Williams-Pulfer, Alex Hardy, Femi Lewis, Tiffany Vakilian, Malik Thompson, Slangston Hughes, Lyn Artope, Colie Aziza, Derrick Weston Brown, Olu Butterfly Woods, Synnika Alek-Chizoba Lofton, Buddah Desmond, Brenda Bunting, Nicole Young-Martin, B. Sharise Moore, and Khadijah Ali-Coleman.
Craft Your Words. Claim Your Power. Write for Liberation.
Let the World Know You Are a Writer! Get a Shirt.
Participants in the 2024 Write. Reiki. Relaxation Retreat for women over 40
facilitated by Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman in the mountains in VA, sponsored, in part, by Pathways Magazine.
Watch the recap of our 2026 MLK Tribute
Mission Statement
The mission of Black Writers for Peace and Social Justice, Inc. is to cultivate a community of writers, educators, and artists who utilize their craft to advance equity, peace, and justice. Through advocacy, education, and creative expression, we aim to inspire systemic change, amplify marginalized voices, and empower communities to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
Who We Are
Black Writers for Peace and Social Justice (BWPSJ) was founded in 2024 to provide services, supports and opportunities to Black Writers and offer administrative training and services for literary organizations with the intent of creating a writing and public engagement practice founded in tenets of peace and social justice. We are the nonprofit fiscal sponsor of the following businesses and arts groups:
Liberated Muse Arts Group
BFHES, LLC
So Our Youth Aspire (SOYA)
StudentMediaOnline
Learn more about our founder and the genesis of this organization.
Meet our team.
What We Do
Since May 2024, in less than two years, we have provided services, supports and opportunities to over 500 writers through:
- Rebel's Zeitgeist digital literary journal,
- A virtual teach-in for Black writers around the world,
- Monthly newsletters,
- Writing workshops and retreats,
- Public readings and opportunities to showcase work,
- Youth Media Academy,
- Partnerships with library systems and independent book stores,
- Emergency funds and more!
How To Get Involved
If you are a writer, get involved by:
- Joining our mailing list,
- Following us on Instagram and Facebook,
- Submitting to our literary journal,
- Enrolling in our writing courses,
- Participating in our meetup events,
- Signing up to showcase your work during one of our events,
- Sharing with us how the BWPSJ community has impacted your writing journey.
- Making a tax-deductible donation,
- Hosting a workshop at your venue,
- Inviting us to train your staff,
- Hiring us to develop a writing program for your organization,
- Hiring a Black writer who is a member of our community,
- Following us on Instagram and Facebook.
Black Writers Who Paved the Way
Understanding the legacy of Black people writing for peace and social justice is crucial for several reasons.
First, it provides a sense of empowerment and pride in one's heritage and contributions to social movements.
By learning about Black writers who have championed peace and social justice throughout history, individuals gain a deeper understanding of their own potential to effect change and contribute positively to society.
Secondly, it serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Black community in the face of adversity. Despite facing systemic oppression and marginalization, Black writers have used their voices to challenge injustice, inspire activism, and advocate for equality.
Finally, knowing this legacy helps to counteract historical erasure and misinformation, ensuring that the contributions of Black writers to the fight for peace and social justice are recognized and celebrated. By acknowledging and honoring this legacy, we can continue to learn from the past and work towards a more equitable and just future for all.
