بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

With G-d’s Name, the Merciful Benefactor, the Merciful Redeemer

Preserving The Legacy: Portraits and Stories Capturing Black Muslim Life is a collaborative project between Sapelo Square and photographers Rog and Bee Walker of Paper Monday.

This online exhibition features traditional portraiture and statements from Black Muslims across America, who historically have been at the forefront in championing principles of freedom, justice and equality. Contributions made by Black Muslims[1], who make up one of the largest ethnic groups of Muslims in the country, have made a profound impact on American society while, paradoxically, being among the least visible.

The rich history of Muslims in the United States remains largely inaccessible to the average American. Misconceptions when it comes to the religion of al-Islam[2] and countless inaccurate depictions and poignant displays of cultural amnesia exist surrounding the history of Muslims living in America. Three and a half million Muslim people currently live in the U.S., according to the Pew Research Center,[3] and that number is expected to more than double, to an estimated 8.1 million, by 2050. The intentional absence, erasure and smear campaigns of Muslims in America today have led to spectacles of ignorance, despite abundant evidence highlighting the role Muslims have played, directly and indirectly, in the making of America.[4]

Rog Walker photographing Imam Zaid Shakir at Zaytuna College in Berkeley, CA. Image by: Aïdah Aliyah Rasheed

This exhibition explores the breadth and diversity of the Black Muslim experience, which is far from a monolithic cultural identity. Careful attention was given to illuminate each person’s physical appearance, and each image causes one to reflect and ponder questions on the current human condition. Additionally, statements addressing themes of economics, education, personal identity, love and marriage, social and cultural histories, fashion and family life offer deeper insights beyond the outward appearance of some of the individuals highlighted throughout this exhibition. The act of acknowledging and capturing a small glimpse of a specific cultural group within the Muslim community is not about projecting superiority over anyone else. It is about respecting, appreciating and centering a community that is often left in the margins. 

Preserving The Legacy is a project intended to create space for visitors to bear witness to the beauty and complexity of Muslims living in America today. The intention is to bring their unique perspectives to the forefront and to understand the significance of why Black Muslims should be honored, celebrated and included as a source for viable thought leadership as the nation and global community are currently reimagining what our world will look like in these years to come. These stories are powerful for the histories they hold, the life lessons they provide and the futures they will inspire.

Rog & Bee Walker at their studio with Dr. Marcus and Zahara Lambert with their children

“We believe the entire story is important. Through our visual research project [Paper Monday], we work to diversify and complete the global narrative. It is our goal to dive deeper into societal stories and present core truths that will lead to a quality understanding of various groups.

It was an honor to be entrusted with a story that has such personal and cultural significance. As we traveled to the different communities, we were welcomed warmly and openly, which allowed us to photograph authentic expressions of the individuals and families we met. Going forward, it is our hope that this project honors the legacy of those families and opens up space for future generations to tell their stories and show their truth.”

— Rog and Bee Walker, Paper Monday

 

Sapelo Square’s mission is to celebrate and analyze the experiences of Black Muslims in the United States to create new understandings of who they are, what they have done, and why that matters.

Visit the Sapelo Square website for more information.

  1. Black Muslims: We are well aware of the historic associations with the phrase “Black Muslims” in the United States. However, our use of the phrase is much more inclusive; we understand the term “Black” to have a deeper resonance with the idea of the African Diaspora and the ongoing goal of liberation. Accordingly, Black Muslims include all African-descended Muslims who live or are rooted in the United States, be they native-born or immigrants. Black Muslims are diverse, which makes “naming” — what we are called and what we call ourselves — a contested process. At Sapelo Square, we embrace the challenge of providing content to and about such a diverse population.

  2. Al-Islam is the Arabic term meaning “the active submission to the One G-d” (the G-d of the Prophets Adam, Abraham, Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them)).

  3. Lipka, Michael. “Muslims and Islam: Key Findings in the U.S. and around the World.” Pew Research Center, Pew Research Center, 8 Dec. 2020, https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/08/09/muslims-and-islam-key-findings-in-the-u-s-and-around-the-world/.

  4. Muhammad, Precious Rasheeda. “Muslims and the Making of America.” Muslim Public Affairs Council, Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), 13 Feb. 2013, https://www.mpac.org/publications/policy-papers/muslims-and-the-making-of-america.php.