WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

CHARLESTON -- West Virginia State University and Jackson Kelly PLLC are collaborating with the educational, religious, and cultural community to present the Charleston premiere of "Prince Among Slaves."

The film will be shown at the West Virginia Cultural Center at 6 p.m. on Oct. 27.

The docudrama chronicles the life of Abdul Rahman Ibrahima, an African prince who was heir to the throne of a West African nation the size of Great Britain. Ibrahima was captured and brought to America as a slave. He was sold to Thomas Foster, a plantation owner to whom he made the claim that his father would gladly pay in gold for his return. Foster dismissed the claim. Some 40 years later, after attracting the support of such powerful men as President John Quincy Adams and Secretary of State Henry Clay, he won the right to return home.

The film was produced by the Unity Production Foundation and is narrated by hip-hop artist and actor Mos Def. Andrea Kalin is the producer. The made-for-television movie will be shown nationwide later this fall on PBS.

Both the WVSU Public Relations Student Society and Jackson Kelly signed on as supporters of film preview in Charleston. The Islamic Association of West Virginia is the organizer of the event.

"Our firm is committed to the advancement of diversity initiatives in West Virginia," said Cheryl Ledbetter, Jackson Kelly attorney and diversity committee chairwoman. "Among other goals, we hope to promote a positive image of our state and its people as receptive to divergent races, cultures, and beliefs."

According to Dr. Yusuf Khan, Secretary of the Islamic Association, the partnership of Jackson Kelly, West Virginia State University, and the West Virginia Cultural Center shows a model for business, educational, cultural community cooperation.

A reception will be held in the Grand Hall of the Cultural Center following the premiere. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students with an ID. They can be purchased at Taylor Books, 226 Capitol Street, 304.342.1461 and Ashtonplace POSTNET 1111 Flederjohn Road 304.344.9192. A limited amount of tickets may be available at the door. Seating is also limited.