The Cordoba Foundation hosted the official launch of Dr Daud Abdullah’s latest book published by Hansib Publications, titled, Islam, Race and Rebellion in the Americas: Transatlantic Echoes of the West African Jihads, in London this week. The event brought together academics, journalists, historians, and community figures to explore and reflect on a major work, by the director of the Middle East Monitor. Abdullah’s book challenges dominant narratives surrounding slavery, race, and resistance in the Atlantic world, highlighting how Islam served as a source of identity, resilience, and defiance against structural racism.
The launch brought together key figures connected to the themes of the book. Chairing the evening, Dr Anas Altikriti, Founder of The Cordoba Foundation, described the book as “an act of intellectual recovery a reminder that the enslaved were not just victims, but thinkers, strategists, and believers who fought back through faith.”
In his presentation, Abdullah offered an overview of the book’s key arguments and historical themes, tracing the intellectual and spiritual legacy of enslaved West African Muslims in the Americas. His reflections were followed by a contribution from Shaykh Dr Abdullah Hakim Quick, who joined via Zoom from Canada to share insights on the book’s relevance to contemporary struggle against the erasure of Muslim contributions and advancing the ongoing pursuit of justice. Political activist and founder of Operation Black Vote Lee Jasper, who was scheduled to speak, was unable to attend due to travel disruptions caused by storms in the Caribbean.
