ABOUT MALIKAH

Many in her community herald her as their local “mother” of spoken word. But, this Jacksonville native is far more than just a poet. While Malikah Hameen has been writing and performing for over 15 years, it is important to understand that her words are fueled by greater forces. Fusing spirit, culture, activism, and words she has created a vital tool for social change.

Malikah Hameen has performed and done workshops in many of Jacksonville and Atlanta’s urban schools and many colleges and universities to include Howard University, University of Florida, FAMU, Edward Waters College, Alabama State University, Morehouse College, and Savannah State College. In 1999 Malikah was asked to write and perform a poem for the re-opening of the prestigious Ritz Theater and La Villa Museum. She went on to become a regular poet accompanying live bands at the Lavilla Restaurant and has featured at many of the nation's premiere venues sharing the stage with such greats as Sunni Patterson, Al Letson, 13 of Nazareth, and Talaam Acey just to name a few. She has been published as a freelance writer with The Florida Times Union, FemmeHorizon, Blacksonville.com, and various other publications to include FCCJ's literary magazine "The Experience". As the founder and artistic director of BlackFace Poetry Troupe she along with Dawn “Koffee” Dillard and Lizz Straight used music and poetry as a propaganda tool for social issues and could be found changing the vibration at many of the nation’s premier venues.

As a child of spirit and student of both Iyalosha Omialadora Ajamu and Babalosa Awo Ifagbemi Ogunlano she allows herself to be used as a conduit for the voices of our Ancestors. A strong advocate for the healing of African women and children she founded My Sister’s House healing women’s circle to address the unique spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of the women and children in our community.

Currently Malikah is facilitating "Ofo Ase" an eight week creative writing and performance program geared at assisting our yourth in evoking the word and using it as a positive tool of self expression to help combat negative peer pressure and low self esteem. Her sophmore album "Legacy" is set to be released Fall 2009.