The International Museum of Muslim Cultures had partnered with Tougaloo College to host two historic national conferences, “Islamic West Africa’s Legacy of Literacy and Music to America and the World” on Feb. 19 and 20, and “Slavery and Its Legacy” Feb. 21 and 22 at the Jackson Convention Complex.

Scholars, filmmakers and experts, including Dr. Ali Mazrui, Dr. Aminah McCloud, Dr. James Loewen, Imam Zaid Shakir and Jackson City Council member Chokwe Lumumba explored Islamic West African literacy and cultural contributions at “Islamic West Africa’s Legacy of Literacy.” Inspired by Brown University’s President Ruth Simmons who mandated that the university explore its part in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, the conference and its presenters did not only focus on slavery of the past at “Slavery and its Legacy” but also its ramifications and evolution from traditional images of servitude to modern-day human trafficking.

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You Tube: : IMMC http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4nBLO3-XmU