Stacey Muhammad has built a film career guided by truth, justice, and service. Her work centers Black life with care and intention. As a director, artist, and activist, she uses storytelling as a tool for liberation.
On a recent episode of Mompreneurs, Muhammad spoke with host Nancy Redd. She reflected on her journey, values, and creative choices. Her message was clear. Purpose comes before popularity.
Stacey Muhammad Centers Black Liberation Through Film and Television
Stacey Muhammad’s work spans film and television with powerful impact. Her credits include Queen Sugar, Harlem, Bel-Air, and Black-ish. Each project reflects her commitment to honest Black stories.
“The work that I do is very much rooted in Black liberation,” Muhammad said. She views filmmaking as service, not spectacle. Therefore, justice remains at the center of every story she tells.
Moreover, Muhammad never questioned her identity as an artist. “I’ve always been an artist,” she said. That confidence shaped her career from the beginning.
An Activist’s Path Into Filmmaking and Storytelling
Muhammad entered filmmaking from an activist mindset. She wanted tools to amplify Black voices. As a result, film became her chosen language.
She did not attend traditional film school. Instead, she built her own education in New York City. She studied at the Digital Film Academy and learned from respected mentors.
Those mentors included Haile Gerima and Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd. She also worked closely with Michael “Boogie” Pinckney. Together, they created, learned, and pushed boundaries.
‘I Am Sean Bell’ and the Power of Community Stories
Muhammad’s breakthrough came with I Am Sean Bell: Black Boys Speak. The 2009 documentary explored the impact of Sean Bell’s killing. It focused on young Black boys in Brooklyn.
At the time, her daughter Kai attended school with the boys featured. Muhammad wanted their voices heard. She centered their lived experiences with care and respect.
The film won Best Short Film at the HBO/Media That Matters Film Festival. Ironically, Muhammad worked at HBO during production. Soon after, she quit to pursue filmmaking fully.
Choosing Purpose Over Scarcity and Fear
Leaving a stable job did not scare Muhammad. She believed fear limits creative freedom. “Scarcity means I don’t get to live my life as an artist,” she explained.
That decision proved pivotal. Her commitment opened doors to new projects and collaborators. Purpose guided her path forward.
She later directed Whoopi Goldberg on Harlem. That opportunity came years after their first meeting. Authentic work created lasting relationships.
Mentorship, Ancestral Stories, and Future Projects
Mentorship has played a vital role in Muhammad’s journey. Supporters include Ava DuVernay and Malcolm D. Lee. Their belief strengthened her confidence and reach.
Next, Muhammad is developing a feature film titled The Return. The story centers ancestral memory in New Orleans. It explores Black resistance and rightful belonging.
“It’s an ancestral story for me,” she said. The project connects personal history with collective truth.
Motherhood, Honesty, and Creative Healing
Muhammad is also a devoted mother to her daughter, Kai. Kai has supported her work since the beginning. Their relationship shaped her creative process.
“It’s not always pretty,” Muhammad admitted. Still, honesty remains essential to her art and parenting. Healing requires truth, even when uncomfortable.
Ultimately, Muhammad’s work reflects love for the craft. “Do the work for the right reasons,” she advised. Authenticity always speaks louder than ambition.
