Muslim Harlem: The Black Mecca

Harlem has been regarded as the uncontested capital of Black America for over a century. The largest neighborhood in Manhattan, one can never fully appreciate it in one tour. In this walk, we focus on just one aspect of the neighborhood: its Muslim history.

Muslims are central to Harlem's history, and Harlem is central to Muslim history in New York and the United States. From Sunni Islam to the Nation of Islam to the Five Percenters to new waves of Sufi immigrants, there are numerous sects, schools of thought, and theological interpretations that thrive in this neighborhood.

Our walk will place great emphasis on Islam in Harlem as a lived religion, which evolves and is shaped by time and social context. For many Black Americans, Islam continues to serve as a source of social camaraderie and a fuel for resistance in the face of racial oppression and injustice. We will engage with these themes to gain a deeper appreciation for religion and its intersections with urban space.

Note: For private bookings, this tour can be combined with our "Malcolm X's Harlem" tour. You may also consider purchasing this tour in a bundle with our "Muslim Bed-Stuy" tour.