Written for The Argo by Iman Ahmed

In honor of Black History Month, the Muslim Student Association made it a priority to give a voice to the Black and African American Muslims who brought Islam to America, including Atlantic City, New Jersey. Atlantic City is over 150 years old and has a rich history of Islam, which was highlighted during the event. The Muslim Student Association collaborated with the Unified Black Student Society, NAACP, and Sankofa Retention to bring an informative event that will help educate attendees about the origin of Islam in Atlantic City. 

The event began with a Quran recitation by Saami Rahman, one of the two religious chairs of the Muslim Student Association. The Quran is the holy book of Islam, and remembering the Quran during gatherings is seen as a blessing. Rahman recited the verse from Surat Al-Hujurat, verses 10-13.

Islam was brought to America through African Americans who were transported to America as slaves. The slaves preserved Islam and were the first to perform fasting during Ramadan. The African American Muslim population is not properly represented which was emphasized during the event. It is important to bring everyone together and educate students as well as the community about the history of Islam in America, specifically, Atlantic City, which has a large population of Muslims.

There were two sessions presented during the event. The speakers included historian Lester Muhammad, Imam Amin Muhammad of Masjid Muhammad, Members of New Freedom Xchange Bilal Key and Muhammad Deen, First Graduate of Temple #10 Dean Harris and city councilman Kaleem Shabbaz. In attendance were alumni of Stockton University as well as active members of the Nation of Islam.

The first session was conducted by Bilal Key, Dean Harris, and Lester Muhammad. This session was done on the spread of Islam in America and how Islam was preserved in Atlantic City specifically. A video was shown during the event about the first Masjid (mosque) of Atlantic City, which was known as Temple #10.

Bilal Key asks his fellow speakers “Why should we celebrate Al-Islam as an achievement and its connection to Black History Month during this time?” He replies by saying “Al Islam has saved the Black community…if you look at what we have been through historically as people and Al Islam becomes the moral fabric, the current Sunnah becomes the moral fabric.”

Session two was led by Imam Amin Muhammad. He spoke about the figures who introduced Islam in Atlantic City. The Nation of Islam was a great factor in this. Imam Warith Deen Mohammed was the Imam of Temple #10 before it had burned down. After his death, a street was named after him, known as the  “Imam W. Deen Mohammad Corner”. This is located at the intersection of Madison and Massachusetts. He talks about the importance of teaching the youth about the history and that “History should be preserved but not repeated”. 

Imam Amin also thanked the Muslim Student Association, including President Zikra Naz, for their contribution to educating and bringing the community together. He says, “This gathering in Atlantic City, especially talking about the legacy of Black Muslims – African American Muslims in itself is historic. As the last surviving African American Imam of a community left after 70 years, that’s huge to be recognized today.” 

This event was catered by Habeebi’s Halal Soul Food located in Atlantic City. The vendors included Nadia’s Resin Art, Wadiya Clothing, Nana’s Pudding, The Juice Trap, Stitches, Zeed’s Kicks, and One Bossy Butterfly. The vendors were all local Black and/or Muslim-owned small businesses. 

Zikra Naz, President of MSA says, “My intention was to establish an educational space in Atlantic City, my hometown, where students can delve into the authentic history of Islam’s spread throughout America, with a particular focus on our community’s unique experiences and contributions. The event was a reunion of historians, each bearing a story waiting to be told. As familiar faces reunited in our community, stories intertwined, experiences and memories revived. The conversations, a rich legacy emerged, illuminating the often overlooked narrative of African American Muslims, ensuring their enduring impact is recognized and celebrated.”

“I really enjoyed the event and found it to be both very educational and interesting. You could see just how much time and effort was put into it. Events like this definitely showcase just how diverse and inclusive Stockton University is.” Vanessa, President of UBSS says,

City Councilman Kaleem Shabbaz commented; “I’m the Vice President of the City Council of Atlantic City. I’m also President of the NAACP of Atlantic City and a long-time practicing Muslim, here in Atlantic City. I think this was an excellent event– a good way to close out African American History Month. A way to let people know that the foundation of Islam in Atlantic City is African American Muslims who have been practicing Islam for over 70 years, here in Atlantic City, that have now come into a position of practicing Islam correctly, theologically, and these student organizations and all the organizations involved should be saluted for putting on this very excellent event. I would hope and suggest they make it an annual event.”

“This event was a historic contribution from the MSA to the Muslim Community here in Atlantic City in general, and specifically the African American Muslim Community. We really appreciate this gathering. It is something that will go down in the history books of Atlantic City activity and we are glad to share in it, and we hope to look forward to more in the future.” Imam Amin Muhammad of Masjid Muhammad said.

The event concluded with a speech by Vannessa, President of UBSS. She says, “We stand together united and strong, our spirit unbroken, we keep marching forward. So let us celebrate Black resilience and power for we are forced to be reckoned with every minute and every hour.”