Prince Ibrahima honored with historical marker near Historic Jefferson College

by Mississippi Monitor | Oct 28, 2025 | Capital/River
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/

A great day in Natchez, Mississippi!

(Click on image to enlarge.)

This marker was unveiled Friday, October 24, 2025, near Historic Jefferson College on the corner of Highway 61 North and Jefferson College Street. Many thanks to the Natchez Historical Society for hosting the ceremony and sponsoring the marker, which was acquired through the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

Photo by Lynsey Gilbert

Marker honoring Prince Ibrahima to be dedicated Oct. 24

A historical marker honoring Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahima, enslaved for 40 years near Natchez, will be dedicated on Oct. 24 at Historic Jefferson College, commemorating his remarkable legacy.

Roscoe Barnes III
Special to The Democrat

Published October 17, 2025

A historical marker honoring Prince Ibrahima will be dedicated Oct. 24 in Natchez. COURTESY PHOTO (Click on image to enlarge.)

NATCHEZ, Miss. – Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahima (1762-1829), who was enslaved for 40 years on Thomas Foster’s plantation near Natchez, will be honored with a historical marker on Friday, October 24, near Historic Jefferson College.

 
A dedication ceremony hosted by the Natchez Historical Society, the sponsor of the marker, will be held at 11 a.m. on the corner of Highway 61 North and Jefferson College Street. The event is free to the public. Visitors are asked to bring their lawn chairs.
The marker will be the first in the Natchez-Adams County area that pays tribute to Ibrahima. It was acquired through the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
 
“Prince Ibrahima's incredible life story and his quest for freedom reached the highest levels of the American government and deserves to be remembered in our history,” said Brother Rogers, MDAH historian and secretary-treasurer for the Mississippi Historical Society.
 
Karen Hill, past president of the society, said she is grateful to the Natchez Historical Society for agreeing to fund the marker and host the dedication ceremony. She said, “The story of Prince Ibrahima is an important part of Natchez-Adams County history that should not only be commemorated, but also preserved for our community, visitors, and future generations. His story has been told in books, films, and articles. Now a part of his story will be told through this historical marker.”

Michael Morris, director of The Two Museums — Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Jackson, will be the guest speaker at the ceremony for the placing of the marker honoring Prince Ibrahima. COURTESY PHOTO (Click on image to enlarge.)

Michael Morris, director of The Two Museums — Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Jackson, will be the guest speaker at the ceremony.
Morris is a graduate of Jackson State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and master’s degree in political science. While attending university, he worked at the Margaret Walker Center and Fannie Lou Hamer Institute on Citizenship and Democracy.

A recognized historian, Morris served on the commission tasked with commemorating the City of Jackson’s bicentennial in 2022. He has also written markers for the Mississippi Freedom Trail.

Morris was the Mississippi archivist for the “Our Story, Our Terms” civil rights project at Duke University. He now serves on the advisory board of the Mississippi Book Festival.

The dedication ceremony will feature remarks by Warren Gaines, District 5 Supervisor of Adams County; Dr. Artemus Gaye, seventh generation descendant of Prince Ibrahima; David Dreyer, local historian and genealogist; and Dr. Roscoe Barnes III, cultural heritage tourism manager at Visit Natchez and president of the Mississippi Historical Society.

Cheri Young Burkhalter, the 4th great-granddaughter of Dr. John Coates Cox, will share remarks about her family history and Ibrahima’s meeting with Cox in 1807 at the marketplace that was near Jefferson College. COURTESY PHOTO (Click on image to enlarge.)

Cheri Young Burkhalter, the 4th great-granddaughter of Dr. John Coates Cox, will share remarks about her family history and Ibrahima’s meeting with Cox in 1807 at the marketplace that was near Jefferson College.

Hill will serve as the master of ceremonies. Rev. Clifton Marvel, pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, will give the invocation, and Rev. LeRoy White, pastor of Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church, will give the benediction.

For more information, call 601-492-3004 or send email to Roscoe@visitnatchez.org.

Ibrahima historical marker a gift to Natchez

Top of the Morning column published in The Natchez Democrat (Wednesday, October 8, 2025, page 4A)

Natchez will honor Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahima with its first historical marker dedicated to the enslaved African prince, celebrating his legacy at a ceremony near Jefferson College on Oct. 24.

(Click on image to enlarge.)

Top of the Morning

Ibrahima historical marker a gift to Natchez

 

By Roscoe Barnes III

 

The Natchez Historical Society is planning a dedication ceremony for a historical marker that will honor the legacy of Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahima (1762-1829). The ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24, near Historic Jefferson College on the corner of Highway 61 and Jefferson College Street.
 
Natchez Historical Society is also the sponsor of the marker that was acquired through the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
 
The marker will be the first one in the Natchez-Adams County area to honor the prince who was enslaved for 40 years on Thomas Foster’s plantation just outside of Natchez.
With that in mind, we could say that this dedication ceremony will be historic in more ways than one.
 
Gift to community
 
In October 2024, the society’s board members approved a donation of $3,420 to cover the cost of the marker. The total cost includes $2,670 for the marker and post, plus an additional $750 for a sign underneath that reads, “Sponsored by the Natchez Historical Society.”
 
Karen Hill, former president of the society, said the marker is an important gift to the Natchez-Adams County community and to the descendants of Ibrahima, many of whom still live in Natchez.
 
Ibrahima’s story is told in Dr. Terry Alford’s book, “Prince Among Slaves: The True Story of an African Prince Sold into Slavery in the American South” (Oxford University Press, 1977). Alford praised the society for its donation, its initiative, and the foresight it has shown to commemorate Ibrahima.
 
Ibrahima’s backstory
 
Ibrahima was a Muslim prince who said he was born in 1762 in Timbuktu, a city in the current western African country of Mali. He grew up in Timbo, Guinea, West Africa. His father, Ibrahima Sori, ruled as a political and religious leader in the Futa Jallon highlands of Guinea.
 
By the age of 26, Ibrahima became a colonel in his father’s army. In January 1788, he and his soldiers were returning home to celebrate a victory when they were ambushed by the Hebohs, a rival non-Muslim group that prevented Futa Jallon from trading with Europeans. Ibrahima was captured and sold to slave traders for two flasks of powder, a few trade muskets, eight hands of tobacco, and two bottles of rum.
 
 As a captive of the slave traders, Ibrahima sailed from West Africa to the West Indies and on to New Orleans, from where he sailed north on the Mississippi River to Natchez.
 
Ibrahima arrived in Natchez in August 1788 at the site that is known as Under-the-Hill. From there, he and his friend, Samba, who served under him in the military, were sold to a farmer named Thomas Foster for $930.
 
In 1791, Foster purchased a woman in her early 20s named Isabella. She and Ibrahima married on Christmas Day of 1794. The two of them welcomed nine children into their family: five sons and four daughters.
 
In 1803, Ibrahima met newspaper editor and printer Andrew Marschalk, who is today known as the “Father of Mississippi Journalism.” He would play a significant role in helping Ibrahima to gain his freedom.
 
Connection to Jefferson College
 
The area near Jefferson College was selected as the site for Ibrahima’s marker because of its connection to his story.
 
First, the land occupied by Jefferson College was donated by John Foster and James Foster, according to the National Register of Historic Places. Both men were brothers of Thomas Foster.
 
Second, it was in the area near the college that Ibrahima recognized Dr. John Coats Cox in 1807 at the market. Cox, an Irishman, had sailed to West Africa in 1781. After going ashore to hunt, he became lost and ill but was rescued by the Fulani people and taken to Timbo, where Ibrahima’s father cared for him.
 
After their chance meeting in Mississippi, the doctor tried for many years to purchase Ibrahima’s freedom, but Thomas Foster refused to release him. Even so, Ibrahima’s fame spread because of his meeting with Cox, and it eventually led to his freedom.
 
Finding freedom
 
In 1828, Ibrahima gained his freedom through the help of Natchez newspaper editor, Marschalk, and U.S. Secretary of State Henry Clay in President John Quincy Adams’ administration. Clay authorized Marschalk’s efforts to obtain Ibrahima’s freedom.
 
On Friday, Feb. 22, 1828, Thomas Foster delivered Ibrahima to Marschalk’s printing office along with a deed in trust for Ibrahima. Ibrahima was 66. Isabella’s freedom was later purchased for $200.
 
On April 8, 1828, Ibrahima and Isabella traveled with their family to the dock under the hill. They boarded the Neptune steamship and waved goodbye to their children, who remained enslaved. For several months after leaving Natchez, Ibrahima travelled to Washington, D.C., and Connecticut, among other places, on a fundraising campaign to help free his children. However, he came up short with his fundraising campaign.
 
In February 1829, he and Isabella sailed to Monrovia, Liberia, which the American Colonization Society had created as a home for formerly enslaved Africans. During their stay in Liberia, Ibrahima contracted a disease and died on July 6, 1829, at the age of 67. He never reached his homeland. Isabella remained in Liberia. Two of her sons later joined her.
 
--------------------
 

Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., is cultural heritage tourism manager at Visit Natchez.
 

Marker honoring Prince Ibrahima to be dedicated Oct. 24

(Click on image to enlarge.)

NATCHEZ, Miss. -- A historical marker honoring Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahima (1762-1829) will be dedicated at 11 a.m. Friday, October 24, near Historic Jefferson College on the corner of Highway 61 North and Jefferson College Street. The ceremony is being organized by the Natchez Historical Society, the sponsor of the marker that was acquired through the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

Michael Morris, director of The Two Museums in Jackson, will be the guest speaker at the ceremony.

Ibrahima was a Muslim prince from West Africa who spent 40 years enslaved on Thomas Foster’s plantation near Washington before gaining his freedom. The marker will be the first in the Natchez-Adams County area that pays tribute to Ibrahima.

This event is free to the public. For more information, call 601-492-3004 or send email to Roscoe@visitnatchez.org.

Celebrating with Anne Moody’s brother

I'm here with the Rev. Fred Moody Jr., brother of Anne Moody. He's mentioned throughout "Coming of Age in Mississippi." Photo taken Monday, September 15, 2025, at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Centreville, Mississippi. Photo by Albert L. Jones (Click on image to enlarge.)

Anne Moody honored with Freedom Trail marker

by Mississippi Monitor | Sep 17, 2025 | Capital/River
By: Roscoe Barnes III, Visit Natchez

(Click on image to enlarge.)

A Mississippi Freedom Trail marker honoring Anne Moody now stands in front of the church she attended – and wrote about – in her memoir, “Coming of Age in Mississippi.’'

The marker, which was unveiled Monday, September 15, is located on the northside of Highway 24 at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, 8755 Highway 24 East, Centreville. It is the first and only Freedom Trail marker installed in Wilkinson County.

About 80 people turned out for the ceremony that paid tribute to Moody as a civil rights activist, warrior for social justice, and respected author, whose memoir has remained in print since it was first published in December 1968.

Rev. Reginald M. Buckley, the guest speaker, said Moody’s Freedom Trail marker will stand as “a testimony of the importance of memory itself.”

“This marker is more than mere words inscribed upon metal,” Buckley said. He noted the marker is “a reminder, a storyteller, a sanctified witness that will speak to generations long after we have left this place.”

Rev. Fred Moody Jr., brother of Anne Moody, reads the inscription on the Mississippi Freedom Trail marker erected in her honor. The marker was unveiled in a ceremony Monday, September 15, at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Centreville. Fred Moody is mentioned throughout Anne Moody's "Coming of Age in Mississippi." Photo by Roscoe Barnes III (Click on image to enlarge.)

The day’s program, which was held at Mount Pleasant, featured music by the Mount Pleasant Church Choir and inspiring messages from prominent leaders that included the Rev. LeReginald Jones, pastor of Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church; Dr. Donzell Lee, president of Tougaloo College; Rep. Angela Cockerham, District 96; Rev. Fred Moody Jr., brother of Anne Moody; Dr. Daphne Chamberlain, chief program officer at the Emmett Till Interpretive Center; John Spann, program and outreach officer at the Mississippi Humanities Council; Rev. Larry Lee, pastor of Winans Chapel C.M.E. Church; and Senator Gary L. Brumfield, District 38.
 
Members of Anne Moody’s family attended the program, along with elected officials, pastors from across the state, and visitors from Natchez.
 
Buckley said it is important to remember Anne Moody as a bold and brilliant storyteller. He said she was a teller of an inconvenient story and uncomfortable truth.
 
Anne Moody, he said, told a “story that pulled back the blood-soaked veil and exposed the heart-wrenching reality of life for black people in the American South, specifically, Mississippi. She told a story that was difficult to hear in a culture that was not welcoming of her voice, not receptive to her perspective and in many instances, not even caring of her truth.”
 
All of the presenters spoke about the importance of Anne Moody’s contribution to the state’s history.
 
Jones recounted the history of Mount Pleasant and its role in Anne Moody’s life. The church, he said, has been a place that served as a school and community center for Black families. It was also a place that helped to develop “some theological thought, birth agents of change, great preachers, and great orators, agents of change and justice, like our celebrated native daughter, Ms. Anne Moody.”
 
According to Donzell Lee, Anne Moody was “a young lady of tremendous courage and tremendous foresight, who put herself in harm’s way at the forefront of civil rights in her day.”
 
Cockerham commented on the inspirational elements of Anne Moody’s life.
 
“Miss Moody’s acts of love, faith, and courage, remind us that the best lies deep within us,” she said. “Her life serves as an example to embrace God’s purpose for our lives no matter how difficult the journey gets, because God is always with us, and I have no doubt in my mind that God created and anointed Miss Moody for such a time.”
 
Fred Moody, Anne Moody’s brother, is mentioned throughout her book, along with their sister, Adline Moody, whom Fred Moody introduced at the ceremony. Both he and Adline Moody expressed gratitude for the day’s program. Fred Moody drew laughs when he told how he burned down the family’s house as a child. The story is captured in “Coming of Age in Mississippi.”
 
Chamberlain, a former history professor at Tougaloo College, told of how Anne Moody’s memoir affected her personally. She said Anne Moody’s work helped her to see the past and present “a little clearer.”
 
“Her activism made me stand a lot taller,” she said. “Her bravery made me this quiet little Black girl in Columbus, Mississippi, be a little bolder. Anne Moody’s legacy has influenced more than just me. It has touched readers locally and readers from all around the world.”
 
Spann, representing the Mississippi Humanities Council, acknowledged the assistance of U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson in securing federal funds for the Freedom Trail markers. He said because of Thompson’s help, among others, the markers are free to communities across the state. “We have more than doubled the size of the Freedom Trail, taking it from 30 to 64 in just two years,” he said.
 
Brumfield gave the closing remarks. He said Anne Moody presented a story that resonates with many people. “She gives me courage to think that she thought outside the box. It’s ok to be different as long as you are making a difference.”
 
The Freedom Trail markers are administered by the Mississippi Humanities Council, in partnership with Visit Mississippi. They commemorate the people and places in the state that played important roles in the American Civil Rights Movement.
 
See more at this link: https://www.themississippimonitor.com/anne-moody-honored-with-freedom-trail-marker/