PBS Presents Documentary 'Prince Among Slaves,' the true story of enslaved Muslim Prince Abdul Rahman

CAIR, February 2, 2008

 

Prince Among Slaves will Kick-Off PBS’s February Tribute to African-American History Month by Depicting the True Story of an African Prince Enslaved in America 

For Immediate Release: November 15, 2007 – On Monday, February 4, 2008 at 10:00 PM (check local listings), the National Black Programming Consortium will present on PBS, Prince Among Slaves, a one-hour documentary film on the inspiring story of an African prince who survived 40 years of enslavement in America before finally regaining his freedom and becoming one of the most famous men of his day. 

Winner of the Best Documentary at the 2007 American Black Film Festival, this true story is told through feature-film styled reenactments directed by Andrea Kalin and Emmy® Award-winner, Bill Duke, through contemporary artworks, archival letters and diaries, as well as through on-camera interviews with distinguished scholars and experts. Artfully narrated by actor and hip-hop Mos Def, Prince Among Slaves is based on Dr. Terry Alford’s biography of the same name.

Prince Among Slaves tells the compelling true story of Abdul-Rahman, an African Muslim Prince who was captured in 1788 and sold into slavery in the American South.   He endured the horrific Middle Passage, and ended up the “property” of a poor and nearly illiterate planter named Thomas Foster from Natchez Mississippi.  

He remained enslaved for 40 years before finally regaining his freedom under dramatic circumstances, becoming one of the most famous men of his day, and returning back to Africa with his royal status acknowledged.  The film ends with a family reunion between Abdul-Rahman’s African and American descendents in Natchez, Mississippi.     

PRESS CONTACTS:

Donna Hardwick, mPRm PR, 323-933-3399, ext. 4215 or dhardwick@mprm.com

Caitlin McGee, mPRm PR, 323-933-3399, ext. 4260 or cmcgee@mprm.com