Prince Among Slaves: The True Story of an African Prince Sold into Slavery in the American South

by Terry Alford

Fiction

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Africa, Biography, Islam, African American, Biography Memoir

316 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1977

Reviews

[Ardene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prince among slaves provides not only an outline of Abd al Rahman Ibrahima's life, but a glimpse of the local politics of the late eighteenth century in the area we now know as Guineau, into slavery as practiced in Mississippi in the late 18th-early 19th century, and into the stumbling blocks to repatriating an African to his homeland.

Ibrahima, the son of a Fulani ruler, is educated at Timbuktu. At age 26 while returning from battle he is captured and sold into slavery, ending up in Natchez, Mississippi on the plantation of Thomas Foster. He rises to act as overseer for Foster, is married to another slave, Isabella, and they raise 9 children.

After about 30 years in slavery, a repatriation effort full of errors in communication eventually results in Ibrahima and Isabella being sent to Liberia.

This is more and less than a biography. I say it's less because there isn't as much documentation of what Ibrahima thought (and said) as I'm used to seeing in a biography. (Of course, that's because he didn't write English, and not many people valued his words enough to record and keep them.)

It's more than a biography in that it focuses more on the context in which Ibrahima lived because that is more easily documented, and on how and why he was eventually released from slavery, yet how who he was and where he was from weren't understood by the people who helped him.

I also enjoyed the foreward ("Why") that told of how Alford ran across a document related to Ibrahima's life as a graduate student and the years of research and writing that went into the book, as well as the afterword discussing the (non) reception of the book by the academic community.

We had a very interesting discussion last night at the Muslim Journeys gathering. I was glad that even though there were 20-30 people present, everybody who wanted to got to say something.

[Sharif · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating book of great historical value. Although the author sometimes crossed the line between informative context and minutia, he manages to capture Ibrahima’s tragic history very well. I believe the critical message the book conveys is always retain your unique identity regardless of your circumstances.

An excerpt from the book regarding Prince Ibrahima’s captivity:
“...Homer wrote once that when Jupiter condemned a person to slavery, he took from that person half his mind. It was taken from Ibrahim in a slow intellectual strangulation... The exhaustion of the field did not encourage literary pursuits ... Ibrahima had no access to pen and paper. He had no Quran. Years became decades, and he did not see a single Islamic text or piece of Arabic writing. To retain his own literacy he took to tracing Arabic characters in the sand when Thomas (his slaver) would call a rest during work.”

Even though decades of slavery would have broken almost anyone, Prince Ibrahima was the exception, he was unbreakable. A young attorney and friend to Ibrahima named Cyrus Griffin wrote, "He is unbroken in body and mind. We have all seen him bearing up against the sad mutation of his fortunes with philosophic fortitude... We know him to be a man of intelligence, and what is more a man of integrity.” In addition, Congressman Edward Everett also stated, “I must allude to the extraordinary attainments of that native African Prince... If there was ever a native-born gentleman on Earth, he was one. He had the port and air of a prince, and the literary culture of a scholar."

I would definitely recommend this biography to history buffs since the writer includes a plethora of references for further research. I also look forward to seeing the movie since it appears to be a bit different than the book.

[Debra Odom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised that I liked this book. I don't do well with nonfiction. Once I navigated the data, the story piece was very interesting. I am required to read this book as part of a five-part seminar that I am taking at my public library on the Muslim influence upon our communities. The author does a very good job describing the part that Africans played in the slave trade. In the country that the Prince was born, there were those who worshipped gods and those were of the Muslim faith. The ending is sad. There is a showing of the movie about this book in September and I will be attending that also. I give this book 4 stars at least and pat myself on the back for reading the entire book.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terry Alford does an amazing job of piecing together sources in a flow engaging narrative. This story is truly inspirational as Ibrahima's whole life must have been spent reflecting on the Qadr (the will of God). While awful things happened to him he remained upright, moral and faithful. I will cherish this book as it is a good reminder how a Muslim should respond to being tested in this life.

[Rosann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written, well researched account of Ibrahima, Muslim native of Africa, who was captured and sold into slavery. He spent decades of his life in Mississippi, yet managed to hold onto his sense of self, his faith, and through a well documented series of events, made his way back to Africa.

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a great story, it's just that once the bulk of the story was told, a lot of print was spent on politics, which I felt was very dry reading. Otherwise I would have given it a higher rating.

[Tawni · Rating 1 out of 5]

Written like a text book. Terribly boring. I had such high hopes.

[Fatima Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book, Prince Among Slaves(2007) introduces the world to fact that all Slave that entered the United States and other parts of the world were not uneducated or salvages. In fact several countries inside of Africa were very established trading with India, Asia, the Middle East and various countries within Europe.

The Prince Among Slaves, highlighted the Journey of Abdul-Rahman, a story that was known in Natchez Mississippi and the United States Government which can be shared for all to view in the Library of Congress, which displays a picture of Abdul-Rahman.

In addition the movie also allowed its readers to understand the Journey of Abdul-Rahman Sori and the acknowledgement of his family members, still alive in Natchez Mississippi and their Royal lineage. In the Movie of the same name directed by Andrea Kalin based off the book of the same name; Dr. Artemus Gaye from Monrovia Liberia Africa was shown meeting his American family that were left behind in the United States once Prince Abdul-Rahman Sori was returned to Africa.

In 2014,Dr. Artemus Gaye and Karen Chatman of Natchez Mississippi; both direct descendants of Abdul-Rahman's were reinstated their official Royal titles of Sheik (Prince)and Sheika (Princess). The two Royals are using their titles for the betterment of Humanity. Dr. Gaye has written the book "Rooted Beyond Boundaries", while Princess Karen Chatman founded one of the largest Breast Cancer organizations, Think Pink Qatar and Think Pink International, as well as sphere-headed one of the largest quest to find alternative treatments for Breast Cancer Internationally.

The Book a Prince Among Slaves and the movie both tell the story of the Journey of a Prince and his everlasting legacy.

[Ami Nosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first became interested in this book having read the almost-too-fantastic-to-believe account of the prince turned slave turned free man while visiting the National Civil Rights of Memphis, TN. Having the expectation of reading an unusual historic account, this book not only met, but exceeded all expectations.

It is an easy read, and in many places feels to be more an adventurous novel than an account of Colonial era American history. Taking into account the era for which it was written, it is thorough and well researched, connecting the reader to the history and politics of Africa, the complex histories of emigration and immigration between America and Africa, and the little known impact that the Prince Abdul Rahman had in federal politics in a Pre-Jacksonian America.

If there is fault to the modern reader, it would be the relatively forgiving depictions of slavery presented by the author. Make no mistake, the horrors of slave ships, plantation life, and eventual intergenerational poverty are discussed. With this in mind, there are mentions of kind slave owners and benevolent Christians championed as is typical of similar subjects written pre-2000s by non-black authors.

Nonetheless, this was an engaging read that I thoroughly enjoyed and may peruse again in the future.

[Willette Holtw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Terry Alford’s Prince Among Slaves is a masterful account of Ibrahima Abd ar-Rahman, a West African prince enslaved in the American South. Alford’s extensive research and diligence shine through every page as he strives to paint a nuanced and authentic picture of Ibrahima’s life. Even when addressing possible negative depictions of the prince, Alford remains committed to presenting a well-rounded and honest portrayal, which adds depth and credibility to the narrative.

What makes this story so compelling is how beauty is woven into the tragedy. Ibrahima’s resilience and dignity, even in the face of unimaginable circumstances, create a narrative that is as inspiring as it is heartbreaking. Alford’s meticulous approach allows readers to witness not just the suffering, but also the humanity and strength of a man whose story deserves to be remembered. It’s a poignant reminder of the complexity of history and the enduring power of the negro spirit.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. I recommend this book for people who want to know more about slavery and how it affected indiviuals. Too often we learn history in sweeping scopes but forget history happened to people.

It's always a good sign for me when I finish a book and want to know more about what happened to those people who came in at the end of the book--what happened to Prince's family in Africa? Do those who remained in slavery lose any and all knowledge of their personal history and/or of Prince?

I did give this one star less because there was some straying from the subject matter but overall this book is worth the read.

[raine · Rating 4 out of 5]

when i tried this book, i was used to my easy 500 page books of fiction. reading a organized non fiction chapter book was way different. i really liked how it was written and it was interesting, however, i wasn’t over the moon about it. compared to other books, i just felt like i had to force myself to read it. although my feelings are mixed towards it, the best part was it helped me realize that i really like non fiction stories and this type of genre despite the boredom at time to time. i recommend for people who also have a deep passion for history and learning more, but not in a essay type of way, more in a novel way. have a lovely rest of your day/night! <3

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

The true story of an African warrior prince who conquered and enslaved other blacks. Later he was defeated and sold into slavery by a rival African tribe.

[Ranette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful history of a black prince who is stolen from Africa and sold into slavery. I an so shocked that I never heard his story. I reccommend Prince Among Slaves to everyone.

[KayG · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading of this African prince in The Deepest South of All by Richard Grant, my Mississippi book club decided to read this to get more of the story.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short audiobook (20 minutes) but very interesting story

[Chana Billet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This true story of an African prince sold into slavery is a fascinating portrait of slavery in the antebellum south. Ibrahima was born the son of a warrior king of the Fulbe, a tribe in West Africa. A highly educated prince, warrior, husband and young father, he was captured in war and sold to slavers who shipped him to the Americas. He ended up in a plantation in the heart of Mississippi where he worked as a slave for 40 years.

His plight was eventually brought to the attention of President Adams and Secretary of State Henry Clay who arranged for his freedom. Ibrahima spent over a year traveling the country to raise funds so he could purchase the freedom of his children and grandchildren. His efforts were to no avail. He was sent to Liberia, enroute to his home state of Fulta but he died shortly after arriving in West Africa.

This tragic story of the horrible effects of slavery is a dark window of American history hidden to many people.

[Ben Wagner · Rating 1 out of 5]

When I took a religious studies class at the University of Tennessee, I was excited to explore different religions, and we were required to read this book to illustrate Islam for us. Unfortunately, this book appeared to really appeal to more history-oriented individuals with lots of dates and characters that were not really important to the Prince. Instead of focusing on his religious aspects and more events of his life and why he did what he did, Terry really focused on the historical aspects of the book. However, he did so so much in the book that it really detracted from an otherwise AMAZING story. In fact, the story was SUPERB and really interesting, but Terry just made it feel so dull and lifeless for me that I really only finished the book because I had to write a paper on it. The story about Prince Abdul would be great is not written from such a historical aspect.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent story of a man struggling against slavery and maintaining his identity for forty years while a slave in the American South. It is also an astounding tale of just how small the world is, even in 1807, and the lengths it took for friends of this individual to help him gain freedom and return to Africa. Alford has researched all facets of Ibrahima's life and set the story within the context of the antebellum South and the American Colonization Society. That said, there is little information on the background details for Africa (which could be fleshed out with other secondary sources) and on the motives and plans of the ACS as they worked so closely with Ibrahima. More detail on Liberia and the ACS would even out the book, although it is impressively researched for Ibrahima's time in Natchez.

[Marie Hew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really cool story. Alford does something pretty incredible--honor the name and history of a single enslaved African. Too often African Americans' names and histories are left unrecorded and subsequently unknown to future generations. I'm impressed with the author's tenacity in researching and writing about Abd al-Rahman Ibrahima's life. He was remarkable man that few people will ever learn about.

The main drawback of this book--Alford spends half the time contextualizing the customs and history of both West Africa and the U.S. during the 1700s and early 1800s. The story doesn't really get interesting until a hundred pages in. I guess the author didn't want to speculate too much about the thoughts and feelings of Ibrahim found.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, full disclosure: The editor is a good friend, and her ex is the author. Second: the first is irrelevant, because I'd give this five stars anyway. A great read about a man born to royalty in his tribe, the Fulbe, in Africa; who was taken into slavery in the American South, yet never lost of his sense of dignity; who, after 40 years of slavery, finally gained his freedom, and travelled back to Africa, tho he would never see his own homeland. There's your thumbnail outline, but in between is all the fascinating detail, such as Prince's being at the intersection of so many 19th-century notables, e.g., Thomas Gallaudent, founder of Gallaudent University; and of the anti-slavery movement in the first third of the 19th century. Highly recommended.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story itself is fascinating and I was stricken once again by the horrors of slavery, but the book itself read too much like a text book for me. What I really appreciated about it is that it reminded me that people who were enslaved, had their own history that stands a part from the role they played in building this country. I was also humbled by his faith journey and how he was able to keep his Muslim faith despite his circumstance. In fact, I believe that it was his Muslim faith that sustained him as a slave- allowed him to persevere, until he was able to be a free man again.

[Phillip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Puts a different face on slaves in America. An individual forced to live in an area - where the language is different, culture is different, religion is different - in light of all this he lives out his religion - and from what I read - he lived it out - not in community.

So many folks look at Muslims, Christians, and Jews in light of community - so many feel threatened or are unable to put a face on a Muslim, a Christian, or a Jew. Instead of looking at individuals - they have an image of a group or community.

Terry Alford helps us see a face and a life!

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really great historical account. There were a few times that I felt the book strayed a touch off topic, but it was easy to read, the story itself was great (and very heartbreaking) and for the history majors out there, the methodology was explained and justified very well.

[Tonya Keitt Kalule]

I started this book and found it really interested, but don't remember why I didn't finish it, but am presently waiting for the epub format.

[Habeeb Akande · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful read. the book is fairly easy to read and vividly describes the true story of a West African prince who was sold into slavery.

[Linda Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My knowledge of slavery and muslin slaves was greatly enhanced. The story of the prince was skillfully told and held my interest.

[Ahmed Sharif · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of politics and facts. Was expecting a lot more with Ibrahima talking about his own personal account. But overall good historical book.

[Line Up · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crazy Story.