Malkia is a lifelong resident of Newark, NJ. She was born to parents who were committed activists during the Black Power Movement, in the city of Newark. Malkia’s parents were very instrumental in getting the first African American mayor elected in the city of Newark. This was the foundation that led Malkia to become a passionate advocate for racial equality and social justice.

Malkia is the Executive Director for Keep America Beautiful-Newark, a community improvement organization. Prior to that, she was the Senior Aide to Newark’s current Mayor Ras Baraka. Malkia is also the former President of 1199SEIU Benefit Fund Staff Association Union, in New York City.
Malkia is a mother of one son and most recently became a JD candidate at the University of the District of Columbia School of Law, starting in the fall of 2021.