This exhibit shares some of the dynamic and living history of African-American Muslims, promoting health, business, education, culture, community, service, and institution-building here in Durham.

There have been Muslims in the Americas since at least the fifteenth century.  The first known mosque in North Carolina was established in 1958 in Durham.  This mosque became an important hub in the struggle for civil and human rights and inspired a social awakening across the region.  Now called Ar- Razzaq Islamic Center, this local mosque revitalized the West End neighborhood of Durham providing essential educational and economic opportunities as well as a creative space for religious & cultural beauty and well-being.

The term Ar-Razzaq conveys one of God’s beautiful names meaning “The Provider.”

This exhibition was developed by Mona Hassan, Meg Brown, Naomi S. Feaste, Brittany Forniotis, and Najla McClain in cooperation with Ar-Razzaq Islamic Center, with generous funding from the Office of the Provost, the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, and the Duke Human Rights Center.