The rich history of Muslims in the United States remains largely inaccessible to the average American, but history reveals that Muslims have contributed, both directly and indirectly, to building, shaping, and challenging America. Contributions made by, Black Muslims,¹ (from all over the diaspora) one of the largest ethnic groups of Muslims in America, have been particularly impactful and, paradoxically, especially invisible. This photo documentation project is to preserve, promote, and share a broader understanding of the rich Muslim American history. Donate to help us today.

Our Project

Sapelo Square, the award-winning online resource on Black Muslims in the United States, is collaborating with world-renowned photographers Rog & Bee Walker of Paper Monday to present a fuller picture of Muslims in America through an in-depth look at the contemporary experience of Black Muslims in America. Through portraits and interviews with Black Muslims from all walks of life, we will chronicle and showcase the significant contributions of Black Muslims to the cultural, political, and economic fabric of the United States.

With the recent passing of pioneers of the community, this documentation project has become particularly urgent. The American Muslim community is at a unique crossroads given the current social and political climate. With renewed global calls for freedom, justice and equality, this project intends to shine a light on the Black Muslim community in America — a community that has historically been at the forefront championing these principles.​ Will you help us preserve our American Muslim legacy for the next generation? Donate now to help.

SAMPLE IMAGES

Testimonial: "The lived experience of Muslims of African decent in the United States is richer and more deep than the largest glacier or deepest iceberg. The world should hear our stories from our own mouths and see our families from our own eyes. Sapelo Square gives us that stage and Rog and Bee give us the mic. It should also be noted that Rog and Bee are the perfect team to help us rightfully capture these experiences and stories. Not only are they the Jay Z and Beyonce of photography, they were extremely kind, warm, and patient to our family…an experience we will always remember.” - Dr. and Mrs. Lambert

Where Will the Funds Go?

As a true labor of love, we have begun capturing the stories and images of communities in New York City and Los Angeles. But we need your help to continue and expand to at least 6–7 other major cities to document individuals from communities that have contributed significantly to the history of Muslims in America.

Additionally, because Paper Monday and Sapelo Square are two platforms that are run independently and through volunteers, all funds raised will cover the costs of this project; specifically, travel expenses, medium format film, film development, audio transcription and administrative operations.

How You Can Help

You can help us in several ways:

• Donate directly to this campaign! Your donation is tax deductible through our fiscal sponsor Allied Media Projects, Inc: 501(c)(3), Tax ID 01-0559608.

• Share our LaunchGood campaign with your network!

• Become a Sapelo Square ambassador and help us raise money for our project at your local Masjid/Community Center (for more information email us at sapelosquare@gmail.com with Subject header: Crowdfunding).

• Pray for us!