"A Prince Among Slaves" Brings Life to a Slice of American History

A Prince Among Slaves chronicles the life of Abdul Rahman Ibrahima, an African Muslim prince. In 1788, he was captured by his nation's enemies and sold into slavery in the Americas at the age of 26. He remained a slave in the American South for the next 40 years. His story tells the journey of a young man from a position of privilege and power to one of greatness and integrity through personal faith, hard work, perseverance and hope despite his change in fortune and oppressive circumstances. Abdul Rahman's story is truly inspiring despite being an epic tragedy.

During his life in Natchez, MS, Abdul Rahman escaped slavery only to return to his owner Thomas Foster after what can only be described as a spiritual experience in the wilderness of Mississippi. He helped Foster grow his small farm to a wealthy plantation with his knowledge of cotton and the leadership skills learned during his time as a successful military general in his homeland. He also became a husband to Isabella, a fellow slave, and a father to nine children.

Prince, as he was called in mocking reference to his claim that he was an African prince, came to national attention when he began to petition the President and other influential individuals for assistance as he sought support to procure the freedom of himself and his family. He spoke nationally to audiences of early abolitionists and Free Blacks as he attempted to raise enough money to purchase the freedom of his children. He returned to Africa at the age of 67 with the aid of his new associates and died, about four months after returning, of fever.

The documentary, which aired on PBS on February 4, opens with a re-enactment of Abdul Rahman's assumption of his princely duties, wartime capture and ensuing enslavement, because his captors feared the repercussions of his murder. Other re-enactments, directed by Bill Duke and Andrea Kalin, bring an already fascinating story vividly to life. Hip Hop artist Mos Def's narration, contemporary artwork, portraits, historical sketches and diaries, and archival letters are finely woven together to create a film, both visually captivating and rich with historical content. This skillful creative rendering of history clearly deserves its selection as the Best Documentary of 2007 at the American Black Film Festival. A Prince Among Slaves touches viewers' hearts and minds while educating by bringing the life of one man and a period in United States history a sense of immediacy and relevance, which marks the rare gems in documentary films.