By: Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., Visit Natchez
 |
| Descendants of Prince Ibrahima and Dr. John Coates Cox join members of the Natchez Historical Society for a photo in front of Ibrahima's marker. Photo by Albert L. Jones (Click on image to enlarge.) |
Abdul Rahman Ibrahima Sori, the African prince who spent
40 years enslaved on Thomas Foster’s plantation, now has a historical marker
that commemorates his life and legacy.
The marker was unveiled Friday, October 24, near Historic
Jefferson College, on the corner of Jefferson College Street and Highway 61
North.
Over 50 people turned out for the event that was hosted
by the Natchez Historical Society, the organization that sponsored the marker
acquired through the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
Michael Morris, historian and director of the Two Mississippi Museums, served as the guest speaker. He said the story of Ibrahima is one of the most important in American history.
Michael Morris, director of The Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson, was the guest speaker at the ceremony honoring the prince. Photo by Albert L. Jones. (Click on image to enlarge.)
“There are many connections between Ibrahima and Jefferson College, the state’s first institution of higher learning and Mississippi’s birthplace,” he said. “Understanding this story is key to understanding nineteenth century Mississippi. I’m thankful to the Natchez Historical Society for sponsoring this marker to recognize Prince Ibrahima.”
The ceremony attendees included descendants of the
prince, historians, MDAH staff, and Alderwoman Valencia Hall, among others.
“What a historic day to honor a man forgotten by the very
city that enslaved him, yet by today’s actions he will live in perpetuity,”
said Hall after the ceremony. “What a testament to the power of humanity where
the descendants of not only Prince Ibrahima were present for this historic
moment, but the descendants of Dr. Cox and Mr. Foster standing together as One.
A true testament of what it means to bridge races, religions and ethnicities
into one through time and healing. Live on Prince Ibrahima!”
Karen Hill, past president of the Natchez Historical
Society, shared opening remarks at the event. She said the story of the prince
is fascinating and deserved recognition.
“This is the first historical marker honoring the prince.
… Many people in this area are familiar with him while others know very little
about his life” she said. “His story is one of tragedy and triumph. If this
event stirs interest in him and much more, we have succeeded.”
Hill said the day’s ceremony promoted a sense of community, something that is good for everyone.
David Dreyer is a local historian and genealogist. Photo by Albert L. Jones.
(Click on image to enlarge.)
David Dreyer, local historian and genealogist, commented on the location of the marker. “We come here today to mark the place where a seemingly improbable meeting occurred,” he said. “Two-hundred-and-eighteen years ago in 1807, Abdul Rahman, the enslaved son of King Ibrahima Sori of Futa Jallon, an independent nation in West Africa, came to the marketplace here to sell sweet potatoes and recognized a man he met 26 years earlier in 1781 at his father’s home in Timbo because he had a patch over one eye.”
The ceremony also featured remarks by Adams County
Supervisor Warren Gaines, District 5; and Cheri Young Burkhalter, descendant of
Dr. John Coates Cox, whose name appears on the marker.
Dr. Artemus Gaye, a descendant of the prince, was
scheduled to speak, but could not attend the event. His remarks were presented
by Dr. Roscoe Barnes III, cultural heritage tourism manager at Visit Natchez
and president of the Mississippi Historical Society.
Rev. Clifton Marvel, pastor of Macedonia Missionary
Baptist Church, gave the invocation and benediction.
“This historical marker of the prince is a testimonial on these grounds here at Jefferson College that freedom comes with responsibility,” said Gaye. “Freedom has in its letters: Fidelity, Respect, Earnestly, Encouragement, Duty, Obligation, and Mutuality.”
Members of the Natchez Historical Society pose with the historical marker the society funded for Prince Ibrahima. From left are Albert King, Nicole Harris, Karen Hill, Daye Dearing and Dr. Roscoe Barnes III. Photo by Albert L. Jones (Click on image to enlarge.)
For Gaines, the ceremony was a proud moment. “It’s an honor to be here and be part of this,” he said, adding Ibrahima’s story is one of hope and resilience. “It’s an honor to have this (marker) in my district and in Adams County.”
Gaines said many of Ibrahima’s descendants live in his
district.
Burkhalter, the 4th great-granddaughter of Cox, said she
loves the story of how Cox and Ibrahima met.
“I follow God, and I read the word,” she said. “God’s
hand is so clear in this story it is amazing. What are the chances that Dr.
Cox’s life would be saved (in Africa), and what are the chances that Prince
Ibrahima would at least be able to die as a free man in Africa. I love the
kindness and respect shown by two generations of two families.”
Speaking further, she said, “In this crazy world full of greed and cruelty, two generation of two families tried to do the right thing. They were a good, descent, respectful, loving people, and I just love that.”
See more at this link: https://www.themississippimonitor.com/prince-ibrahima-honored-with-historical-marker-near-historic-jefferson-college/
No comments:
Post a Comment