Prince Among Slaves: Abdul Rahman Ibrahima

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Prince Among Slaves: Abdul Rahman Ibrahima
Prince Among Slaves is a film that is based on historical occurrence during the slavery era in America that premiered in 2006. In fact, the documentary retells a story of Prince Abdulrahman Ibrahim Ibn Sori from West Africa. He was enslaved in the United States for 40 years and later he was freed.
The prince was captured in 1788 at the age of 26 in a non-Muslim campaign in Guinea. During the time, he was caught, sold to British slave traders and shipped in a slave ship that moved from Africa to New Orleans in the United States. In the next forty years, he labored as a slave in Natchez tobacco plantation (Alford 253).
In the course of his enslavement, he encountered Dr. John Cox who was helped by Prince’s father while in Africa (Alford 17). Cox proposed to buy Prince from Foster, which was turned down by the Prince. After twenty years, Cox’s son contacted local newspaper to helping Prince win liberations from his master. Ultimately, the article got the attention of the secretary of the state, Henry Clay, who persuaded John Quincy Adams to free the prince.
As a free citizen, he stayed in the United States for a year and purchased the freedom his wife at $200. During his stay in the states, he sought money and championed freedom campaigns for his nine children enslaved in the Fosters’ cotton plantation. At some point, he attended paid audience conferences to earn money to buy the freedom of his extended family.

Unfortunately, he succeeded to raise money that would buy the freedom of only two of his nine children that joined the other members of the family and his wife. In the end, Prince died on his return to Africa before reaching his native land Futa Jallon. At the end of the film, Prince’s descendants from West Africa and the United States fatefully meet at Natchez.
The lighting and sharp eyes of the main character magnify the unending quest for freedom. Based on the emotional expression of the main character such as serious face and piercing eyes, it can be deduced prince led a purposeful life. On the other hand, the hair and costumes symbolize resolute and firmness in the struggle for freedom. The West African attire and head cloth that is worn by the main character brings out the strength of diversity and uniqueness among humans.
There is diverse audience targeted by the film, Prince Among the Slave for different reasons. Firstly, the film provides insightful history experiences to Americans about the history of slavery in the United States. Secondly, the film seeks to enlighten humanity about justice, human freedom and the power of man in pursuit of his course. Thirdly, it is a reminder to the policymakers about the essence of democracy and human right for all regardless of color and culture.
In my opinion, the drama is critical in highlighting human rights through the experiences of the prince. The toil and ever strong thirst to free his family is a lesson to humanity about the essence of freedom required to prosper and enjoy life.
The film shows historical injustices and experiences that are crucial for human coexistence. All the incidences in the plot such as capture, enslavement, and freedom are focused on delivering lessons to policymakers, general populations, and victims of slavery. Besides, the film is crucial in giving hope to those in the struggle as implied by the fateful meeting of the Prince’s descendants in Natchez.
Work(s) Cited
Alford, Terry. Prince Among Slaves. New York: Oxford University Press, 1986. Print.