5 Black Muslim Women Leaders Who Inspire Us
By Arfa Haque, Content Coordinator at MWP
As we close Black History Month and begin Women’s History Month, let’s take the opportunity to reiterate and bolster our learnings on how Black Muslim women have carved the path that we now walk as Muslim women professionals. Let’s take a look at some Black Muslim women leaders from past and present who continue to inspire us today.
Phoebe - Wife of African slave Bilali Muhammad
The history of Black Muslims in the United States has unfortunately been difficult to uncover. That is why we want to start out with remembering women like Phoebe, who was the wife of an African slave named Bilali Muhammad. Tracing the lives of Black Muslim women in the U.S. during the times of slavery is extremely difficult given the pressure to convert to Christianity. However, a descendant of Phoebe’s family, Katie Brown recalls Phoebe praying at least 3 times a day with Bilali and performing dhikr (remembrance of Allah) on subha (Islamic prayer beads). We hope with time, more can be uncovered about Phoebe and women like her; what their aspirations, habits, and stories were and that they may be honored here and in the hereafter.
Hester - Bilali Muhammad’s Daughter
This daughter from the same family made honey cakes on the first of every month made honey cake and referred to as “saraka.” She exposed America not just with Islamic sadaqah but by taking the teachings of Islam to future generations. Both Hester and Phoebe, made it a point to practice Islam especially in the times when they faced brutality. May Phoebe and Hester all the Black Muslim women who practiced Islam against insufferable odds be remembered and rewarded for their steadfastness and strength. To learn more about Phoebe, Hester, Bilali, and their family, you can read up on their legacy here.
Ella Little Collins
Ella Little Collins, sister of Malcolm X, was many incredible things. Along with accepting Islam like her brother, Collins was a devout supporter of access to education. She helped found many universities' first Black studies programs. She also founded the Sarah A. Little School of Preparatory Arts in Boston, where children were taught Arabic, and other languages like Swahili and Spanish.
Before leaving the Nation of Islam, Collins was instrumental in founding their first Boston mosque. Along with funding Malcolm X’s Hajj, becoming president of Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU) and the Muslim Mosque, Inc. after her brother’s death, and much more, Collins remained a lifelong fighter for social justice through unifying education, religion, and community support for the cause.
Debra Mubashshir Majeed
Majeed was the first Black woman and first Muslim woman to be tenured in Beloit College and earn the Emeritus status. A fearless and wise scholar who not only focused on highlighting Black Muslims’ challenges but was a pioneer when it came to shaping and addressing on how these dialogues need to be delivered and empower all Muslim women. She left behind her a legacy of profound knowledge, research and work, but most importantly the love and warmth that she shared with everyone around her.
Margari Aziza Hill
Margari Aziza Hill is an unwavering leader for racial justice in the Muslim community and beyond today. A Stanford-trained adjunct professor and lifelong activist, Hill channeled her expertise into founding and being the Executive Director of the Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative, a human rights education organization focused on “raising awareness and training Muslim communities on issues of racial justice.” Hill has led the development of anti-racism workshops, numerous charitable and volunteering initiatives, and has written on intersectional Muslim experiences for nationwide-followed publications like TIME Magazine, Al Jazeera English, and the Huffington Post.
Her leadership knows no bounds as she serves as an assistant editor for AltMuslimah and has advised organizations like CAIR and MPower Change. Hill continues to organize for Black Muslim lives, and writes powerful pieces on her experiences as a Black Muslim woman in the space. Like the Black American Muslim women before her, Hill takes on not one but many vital roles for advocating for racial justice for Black Muslims and Black people across the globe, with more thanks due than can ever be expressed. Be sure to keep the change going through looking into current initiatives and Margari Aziza Hill’s work at MuslimARC, and their other partnered organizations.
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