With an almost innate vocation to help and take care of their community, Ali has been improving their surroundings by writing poetry, performing on stage, hosting parties like Kahlon – where they brought the likes of then-unknown Juliana Huxtable and Princess Nokia –, starting podcasts like Drumbooty, where intellectuals and activists discuss themes such as gender politics and colourism. Today, we speak with the artist about the current black visual arts renaissance, their inspirations, and the hope to meet and collaborate with fellow Baltimore queer artist, John Waters.