It was a rainy day in May 2006, when photographer/filmmaker, Nsenga Knight found inspiration through the midst of tragedy. A’aliyah Abdul-Karim, author, activist and a pioneer in the Muslim community had died. Nsenga was traveling to the burial, when her car broke down along the way. Through the processions of mourners, Nsenga snagged a ride with Abdul-Karim’s friends, and listened to the women reflect on their lives, experiences and the then emerging Brooklyn Muslim community nearly 60 years ago. From the car ride to the burial site Nsenga laid witness to the testimonies of Abdul-Karim’s life, and further grasped the importance of Abdul-Karim as well as other women who have witnessed and participated at times in the transitions of the Muslim Community.

Entitled, As the Veil Turns: Female Pioneers of the American Muslim Community, Nsenga gives an inspirational glimpse into Brooklyn’s oldest Muslim communities. Located in the gallery at Harriet’s Alter Ego in Brooklyn, the exhibition documents the lives of black female members of the Nation of Islam and practitioners of Sunni Islam prior to 1975, and asks them about their lives before, during, and after becoming a Muslim. Included in the exhibition are 9 large scale black and white photographs of black women who converted to Islam prior to 1975. Each photograph is accompanied by audio recordings of conversations and interviews with each woman, so onlookers can gain a true sense of their story. Take in all the sights and sounds November 18th through December 31st.

Harriet’s Alter Ego