The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library at 314 Seventh St. N. continues its series of program and exhibits on Islamic history and culture this week with two events that are free and open to the public.
Today at 2 p.m., the one-hour historical documentary “Prince Among Slaves” will be shown in the library’s Chebie G. Bateman Building at 314 Seventh St. N. This one-hour film retells the story of Abdulrahman Ibrahim Ibn Sori, a prince from West Africa who was made a slave on a tobacco plantation in Natchez and freed 40 years later.
On Thursday at 5:30 p.m. a program titled “Medieval Islam and Its Neighbors” will be presented by Dr. Amber Handy, assistant professor of History at Mississippi University for Women. She will discuss the cultural and religious diversity of the Middle East when the Islamic religion first emerged in the seventh century, and will address some common misperceptions about how interactions between Muslims, Jews, Christians and pagans continued to develop throughout the Middle Ages.
Other Muslim Journeys events and exhibits are planned throughout the month of November at the library. For a complete schedule, go to muslimjourneyscolumbuslibrary.wordpress.com. Or contact the library, 662-329-5300.
The programs are in conjunction with a grant received by the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library titled Bridging Cultures Bookshelf: Muslim Journeys. The grant consists of a collection of books, films, and other resources that will introduce the American public to the complex history and culture of Muslims in the United States and around the world.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.