MEET OUR TEAM
TARA
Tara Levy (she/her) - FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
is a multidisciplinary artist, author, educator, and nonprofit leader committed to advancing community wellness through the arts. With over a decade of experience in education, youth development, and community engagement, she founded Liberated Arts Movement in 2023 to create accessible, healing-centered arts experiences that foster creativity, connection, and civic engagement.
Under Tara's leadership, Liberated Arts Movement has launched impactful programs including Liberated Writers, The Harvest, and MLK Day of Service in partnership with organizations such as the National Urban League, Ford Philanthropy, Poetry Foundation, and the Chicago Urban League.
Tara’s artistry has earned recognition through multiple playwright awards, published books, curated exhibitions, and prestigious artist fellowships. Tara’s intention is that through her artistry and community work others feel seen and empowered to let their light shine.
AJ
AJ Owusu (they/them) - BOARD CHAIR
is a spiritually rooted multidisciplinary artist, community wellness practitioner, and liberation leader dedicated to cultivating healing, creativity, and collective thriving. Grounded in asset-based community development, restorative justice, and intergroup dialogue, AJ has spent years empowering Chicago's youth, families, and emerging leaders through arts, community engagement, and transformative leadership.
As a poet, musician, and storyteller, AJ's creative work includes the Resist! EP, the forthcoming album Illuminatin, and multiple published poetry collections. AJ loves to share their voice and hard won lessons through speaking engagements, such as being a panel moderator for Liberated Arts Movement’s Still We Rise and Public Allies’ Champions Across Generations.
AJ next aspires to build international engagement through storysharing and community building across the African Diaspora, hoping to inspire more people to embrace the resonant call from the Earth.
TANAE
Brittanii "Tanae B." Batts (she/ her) - SECRETARY & FOUNDING BOARD MEMBER
is a spoken word artist, singer, author of Joy & Contradictions, and community organizer dedicated to using the arts to inspire healing, connection, and self-expression.
As a founding board member and Secretary of Liberated Arts Movement, she plays a key role in strengthening the organization's partnerships, supporting fundraising efforts, and recruiting artists and creative talent for community programs and events.
A dynamic performer and host, Tanae B. seamlessly blends poetry, music, and storytelling to create meaningful experiences that uplift audiences and foster authentic connection.
Guided by a deep love for community and the arts, she is committed to cultivating spaces where creativity, joy, and collective liberation can flourish.