Prince Abdulrahman Ibrahima Sori Day

Natchez MS – The Natchez to Timbo Connection LLC is honored to announce that the City of Natchez has officially designated May 9th 2025 as Prince Abdulrahman Day a day dedicated to preserving and celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of Prince Abdulrahman Ibrahima Sori.

Prince Abdulrahman Ibrahima Sori an African royal from Timbuktu and Timbo in Guinea was enslaved in 1788 and endured 40 years of captivity on the Foster Plantation near Natchez Mississippi. In 1828 he gained his freedom alongside his wife Isabella Foster. Although he was unable to secure the release of their nine children Prince Abdulrahman’s remarkable story of resilience leadership and cultural significance is one of the few well-documented accounts of African royalty in the United States.

This historic day serves not only as a tribute to Prince Abdulrahman’s life but also as a reflection of the contributions and enduring spirit of the African Diaspora. His legacy has been preserved through the tireless efforts of authors such as Terry Alford (Prince Among Slaves) James Register (The Arabic Prince of Old Natchez) and Dr. Artemus Gaye (Dr. Isabella Rahman and the African Prince of Fouta Djallon) whose works ensure his story continues to inspire.

Her Royal Highness Princess Karen Chatman a direct descendant of Prince Abdulrahman and a native of Natchez remains dedicated to honoring her family’s heritage. Through grassroots initiatives she champions education wellness cultural awareness and youth development. Reflecting on this celebration Princess Karen stated "Understanding different cultures is the key to overcoming prejudices and fostering acceptance of our differences as a society."

Prince Abdulrahman Day will inspire unity and cultural understanding bridging communities within the United States and Africa while honoring the past and building toward a brighter future.