About the Film

The Story

Some biographies help us understand the broad historical themes and issues of the period during which their subject lived. Others appeal to universal emotions of the human experience. And some simply entertain us with vivid characters and nearly novelistic events. Prince Among Slaves does all three. This documentary film tells the true story of a little known African American hero, an African prince who was sold into slavery in the American South in 1788. His name was Abdul Rahman Ibrahima Sori, and he remained enslaved for forty years, before ultimately regaining his freedom and returning to Africa.

The broad outline of Abdul Rahman’s biography reads like a fairytale: A young prince falls from a life of power and privilege into exile and enslavement in a strange land. There he endures unimaginable indignities, yet carves out a life, marries a woman enslaved like himself, and has children. Then, through improbable circumstances, including meeting President John Quincy Adams at the White House, he is granted his freedom and returns to his homeland, but not before he rescues his wife from enslavement and sees his royal status recognized in the very land that held him in bondage.

Understanding this period of American history remains important today. This documentary will create discussion not only on how race relations in this country have changed, but also on the issues of racism still facing America today. By highlighting this fundamental time, UPF seeks to create awareness about the lessons of American history, to encourage youth to be heroic, and to build stronger communities.

Additional information on the Prince Among Slaves

Team

This film is supported by a variety of key people and institutions, including Producer, Director, and Writer Andrea Kalin; Director of Re-enactments Bill Duke; lead outreach partner, Howard University; project consultant, Jennifer Lawson, General Manager of Howard University Television; and the Chairman of the Board of Scholars, Dr. Sulayman Nyang, Professor of African Studies at Howard University. Other scholars and on-air personalities include Kwame Anthony Appiah of Harvard University, the late Novelist Bebe Moore Campell and author Terry Alford. The Executive Producers and co-founders of UPF are Alex Kronemer, a writer and lecturer who recently served at the U.S. State Department Office of Human Rights and International Religious Freedom, and Michael Wolfe, a writer whose many works include the Emmy-nominated Nightline special on pilgrimage.

Additional Information on the Prince Among Slaves Team