Muslim Bed-Stuy: The Black Medina

Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant is widely regarded as one of the most iconic Black neighborhoods in the United States, comparable to Manhattan's Harlem in terms of its significance. The neighborhood has been home to numerous Black cultural, political, artistic, and religious movements, among which were those shaped by Muslims. Widely regarded as the "Black Medina" (as a complement to Harlem as the "Black Mecca"), Bed-Stuy has long been a flourishing epicenter for Black, and more recently, immigrant Muslims.

In this tour, we explore how Brooklyn's Black Muslim culture has both influenced, and was influenced by, the city. We will visit historic mosques and restaurants, learn about various Black-led movements, including the Nation of Islam, the Dar al-Hijrah, and Sufism. We will draw connections between the struggles for civil rights and social justice with the contemporary battles for civil liberties and the Movement for Black Lives. We will also discuss the impact of the housing crisis, gentrification, and displacement in the neighborhood, touching upon the future of the neighborhood.

Along the way, we may grab some bean pie--an Black Muslim staple--and maybe enjoy some brisket at the end!