The Liberator Magazine

To liberate, create:
InspirationEducationCelebration

The Liberator is an international project dedicated to the stories and expressions of artists, educators, students, musicians, filmmakers, healers, parents, performers, visionaries, curious minds, researchers, philosophers, critics and writers of color. To help preserve humanity, by creating and supporting excellent spaces of dialogue that provide fresh and forceful analysis and critique of art, culture, education and politics. To make a habit of transcending boundaries. To believe serious discussion is the precursor to -- and companion of -- serious action. To remain conscious of our potential to contribute to and help maintain life. To manifest diplomacy among the urban enclaves of America and between the larger diaspora.

The Liberator Magazine is currently published two to four times a year, The Liberator Blog is published daily online, and community Live From Planet Earth parties produced by The Liberator go down a few times a year around the world, supporting emerging musicians and grassroots causes, along with the Live From Planet Earth Music Compilation Series available for free online.

Find us in New York, Minnesota, Washington DC, Atlanta, Chicago, Carolina, Oakland, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Toronto, London, Paris, Switzerland, Nairobi Kenya, Kampala Uganda, Gambia, Dakar Senegal, Dar Es Salaam Tanzania, Cape Town + Johannesburg South Africa.

In The News:

"Over the years [The Liberator] has branched out nationwide and has also transformed itself into a divine cyber version, for all to enjoy. You would do well to read you some and stay connected."
-Saucy Dame Delux

"[The Liberator] looks back to the revolutionary spirit that inspired the Black Arts Movement, while at the same time embracing a contemporary aesthetic with its foundations in a pan-African consciousness. Defiantly collective it seeks to erase boundaries between divergent art forms and explore the intersections between the personal and the political in a heartfelt, serious way. This position places it in direct opposition to mainstream urban culture, which Askia Toure describes as having "lost its national consciousness, in its rush to assimilate materialism, bling bling, capitalism and misogyny." ... Its content veers dizzyingly from arts and culture, to war, immigration, homelessness and crack cocaine at home; from broad-brush assertion to the laser-focused insights of previously unheard voices ... At the same time it sidesteps ghettoization by situating its debate within the complex web of creative expression which binds black artists from around the world. The fiery voice of a new black self-consciousness and social consciousness reclaiming its freedom in the complex contemporary world."
-Chimurenga

"Pick up the most recent issue of THE LIBERATOR and you'll experience the raw spirit of street-level publishing: cultural theory on gangster rap, a piece on lust next to a short guide to an ancient Indian spiritual and dietary tradition, a letter-to-the editor from the vice president of [a] Police Federation, an interview with a former crack cocaine dealer, historical analysis of American exploitation in the Congo, and a review of a recent Grand Master Flash show... it reflects all the vibrancy and the rough edges of zine-like journalism... Despite the journal's pan-African spirit and political angle [they] bristle at being labeled community activists..."
-Spokesman Recorder

"Best Culture Blog: The Liberator Magazine. After 9,400+ nominations and over 1,500 votes by the blogging public and our team of distinguished judges."
-Black Weblog Awards

"Celebrating Black History Month with a interview with LIBERATOR MAGAZINE co-editor"
-Arts Wom UK

"THE LIBERATOR asserts that younger leadership in communities of color is critical, and [they] challenge the corporate values that destroy communities... LIBERATOR writers say college-educated people of color are encouraged to focus on individual careers, recognizing that the collective spirit of the Civil Rights Movement was lost."
-Pulse TC

"Great young leader[s]. The best & the brightest... THE LIBERATOR MAGAZINE... THE hope of the country..."
-New American Dream

"Blog Of The Day: THE LIBERATOR MAGAZINE"
-City Pages

The Liberator has featured articles on: classical and prodigal musicians such as Chuck Dee, Whodini, Grandmaster Flash, Saul Williams, Dead Prez, K'Naan, Talib Kweli, Brother Ali, J*Davey, K-OS, Cee-Lo, I-Self Devine, Method Man and Cody Chesnutt; upcoming and legendary writers such as Nikki Giovanni, Jeff Chang, Malidoma Patrice Some and Askia Toure; groundbreaking visual artists such as Kara Walker; visionary filmmakers such as James Spooner (Afro Punk); economic, social and political change agents such as Mumia Abu-Jamal, Brent "Siddiq" Sayers, Runoko Rashidi and Al Franken; and issues ranging from war, immigration and development around the world to homelessness and crack cocaine at home.