Kunta Kinte
From Mw
Kunta Kinte born in 1751 CE (1164 AH) was made famous by Alex Haley's Roots, who was also responsible for the semi-autobiography of Malcom X.
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[edit] Lineage
Kairaba (Kunta Kinte grandfather) was Mandinka and was a Marabout. His family lineage stretched back to the old Mandinka kingdom of Mali. Late in the 17th century, he arrived in the village of Juffure along the Gamban RiverHe married twice. he had two sons from his fist wife and one son Omoro by his second wife Yaisa. Omoro Kinte married Binta and they had four successive sons: Kunta, the oldest was born in 1750 CE (1163 AH); Lamin, Suwadu and Madi. All four sons were born and raised in Juffure and all received their education in Arabic and the Qu'ran at the local village school.
[edit] Capture
In 1767 CE (1180 AH) when he was 16 years old, he entered the jungle to cut wood to make a drum. He was jumped by four men. Kunta was then marched to a British Ship, the Lord Ligonier commanded by a Captain Davies. The Ship docked at Annapolis, Marlyand on 29th January 1767 (28th Shaban 1180). As with most other journeys around 1/3rd of the Slaves died during the journey.
[edit] Experience in Virginia
He was auctioned in Annapolis to a John Waller of Spotsylvania County, Virgina and given the name of Toby.
- He ran away four times, the last time resulted in the choice of punishments, castration or amputation. He choose the later.
- He married a women known as Bell, the big house cook.
[edit] Retention of His Islam
Kunta did his best to maintain his five obligatory prayers, and he continued to practice his Arabic by scratching Arabic phrases in the dirt.
[edit] See Also
[edit] References
- Haley A (1976)
- Jerald F.Dirks Muslims in American History - a Forgotten Legacy ISBN 1-59008-044-0
