Abdul-Rahman Ibrahim ibn Sori - Prince Among Slaves

PBS has a number of shows this month that will highlight Black History Month. This past Monday night they aired Prince Among Slaves. The true story of Abdul-Rahman Ibrahim ibn Sori.

Just before his capture, Abdul-Rahman was a 26-year-old Muslim Fulbe prince, married with a son, who had recently taken command of his father's army. Returning from battle, he and a group of soldiers were ambushed, captured and sold to slave traders for muskets, whiskey and eight twists of tobacco. Eight terrible months later, he was set down with other chattel on the docks of the Natchez district of Mississippi. Purchased by a small-time planter named Thomas Foster, Abdul-Rahman tried to explain who he was; Foster laughed at the idea of African royalty and promptly named his new slave Prince. (taken from Calendarlive.com Los Angelos Times)

The story is very interesting - amazing really. There are few stories told of slaves who become free. Abdul-Rahman's life - being torn from his wife and child, escaping slavery and then returning on his own choice to build a life for himself, remarry, raise a family and earn the respect of those around him and then in the end being torn from his family when unable to buy their freedom as he and his wife leave to return to Africa - is captivating. The most touching moment for me though, was when his grandson of many greats returns from Africa to visit where Abdul-Rahman was a slave and meeting all the ancestors of the same man who live here in the United States. Many were named Prince and many were with the last name of Foster. It is boggling to think that Abdul-Rahman lived two lives in his years - one as a revered Muslim Prince and one as owned livestock - and because of it created two family lines that are forever linked, but torn apart because of slavery. When the two families were introducing themselves and coming together you can't help but tear up. Maybe I see a little of Babers in this reunification. What will it be like for him when he is older to find his biological family? The link above brings you to an article that details the story, but if you can manage it watch it yourself.

There is a trailer for the show below - put music on pause so you can hear the track.