African Nation, West Hartford's ASD Celebrate Special Bond

American School for the Deaf

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The American School for the Deaf's special relationship with a small, west African nation was celebrated this week during a very special event at the renowned West Hartford school.

The meet-up on Tuesday, May 14, highlighted the shared heritage between Guinea and the United States. It was organized by the U.S. State Department and U.S. Embassy in Guinea are coordinating.

As a result, Princess Karen Chatman, Dr. Artemus Gaye, and the High Council of Timbo Elders from Guinea visited the school.

They were there to trace the steps of their ancestor, Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahima Ibn Sori.

The American School for the Deaf welcomed the delegation for a special luncheon reception at the West Hartford campus.

According to the school, Prince Abdul Rahman was captured in Africa in 1788, sent to the United States, and sold as a slave to a plantation owner in Natchez, Miss.

He was enslaved for 40 years before earning his freedom in 1828, wrote the ASD., and, although the prince and his wife were freed, their children remained enslaved.

Upon learning about the prince and his family, ASD founder Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet was compelled to assist.

He developed a dissertation that was distributed widely as a fundraising tool to liberate the
prince’s family.

The Guinea delegation's “Walking in the Footsteps of a Prince” tour took them throughout the United States from Natchez, Miss., to West Hartford, and Washington, D.C.

"Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahima Sori’s story is a tale of bondage, perseverance, and liberation that has transcended centuries and that shows humanity at both our best and our worst," said U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Guinea Troy Fitrell in a statement.

"I want to congratulate the High Council of Timbo Elders for its work to preserve Guinea’s rich history and to strengthen the bonds of friendship with the United States, as evidenced by their upcoming return visit to the United States to retrace the prince’s journey."

In addition to the luncheon reception, included a campus tour and a special student presentation.

“ASD has a distinguished history as a pioneering leader,” said ASD Executive Director Jeffrey S. Bravin. “This extraordinary visit is a testament to our founders’ strong humanitarian legacy and commitment to goodwill, which we are proud to continue today.”

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