'Legacy of Timbuktu: Wonders of the Written Word' Exhibit set to Arrive in Los Angeles

"The Legacy of Timbuktu" exhibit has received national attention for it's amazing display of ancient African manuscripts of Timbuktu. These historic treasures, some which date back nearly 1000 years, are part of an estimated one million manuscripts recently re-discovered in the Republic of Mali. The display represents the literate culture of West Africa uncovered!

"These ancient documents reveal that a sophisticated, highly literate culture flourished in the City of Timbuktu beginning in the 14th century," stated Samir Muqaddin, Director of Sales and Marketing for BAIT-CAL. "This clearly refutes stereotypical depictions of Africa as a primitive society with a strictly oral history tradition. The exhibit also illustrates to the American public the significant contributions that Muslims and Africans have made to the world community prior to slavery and the colonization of Africa."

Masjid Bilal Islamic Center, in association with the Bilal Learning Center in Los Angeles, will co-sponsor this historic event as a means to educate the public about Islamic history, culture, and the contribution of Muslims to world civilization. The Timbuktu Exhibit will provide Southern California residents and visitors access to America's largest collection of original ancient artifacts depicting the legacy of West Africa. The presentation will provide the ultimate learning experience over the course of a three event filled days.

"The most significant benefit of the exhibit is that it begins correcting the misinformation and stereotypes in America about Africans and Muslims," stated Imam Abdul Karim Hasan, Executive Director of Bilal Learning Center. "The documented knowledge that people from all walks of life will learn about the literacy and the positive contributions these Africans made to the global community will dispel centuries old myths about the historic value of ancient African civilization."

For more information or banquet seating, contact Masjid Bilal Islamic Center at (323) 233-7274.