Today we’d like to introduce you to Jihad Muhammad.
In 1999, a group of scientists and educators, led by forensic anthropologist Jihad, decided it was time to confront a serious issue within the African American community: Many African Americans do not know or understand their connection to the slavery experience and, lacking this connection, cannot verify their ancestral history. As a result, African American children often suffer from low self-esteem, which in turn affects how they respond to their environment. Muhammad proposed an organization that would apply the principles of biomedical and cultural heritage research to help investigate and trace the footsteps of African American progenitors in America between 1628 and 1888.
The organization was incorporated as the African Scientific Research Institute (ASRI) and launched its first major project: to piece together the past of Jean Baptiste Pointe de Sable, a fur trader of African descent who is now regarded as the founder of Chicago. ASRI chose de Sable because of his importance to American history and because very little was known about the man, his life and the settlement he built on the western shores of Lake Michigan. Using scientific tools such as DNA profiling, Computerized Tomography (CT) scans and laser analysis, ASRI researchers identified de Sable and other individuals of historic significance. Then they used advanced forensic techniques — facial reconstruction, for example — to put flesh on skeletal remains. And, finally, they conducted an archaeological investigation to find artifacts, tools and buildings of the era in which de Sable lived. The result was a clear picture of the man: how he lived, where he lived and why he made certain decisions.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey from vision to reality for ASRI has been challenging. But, the arenas of archeology, anthropology and forensic science are themselves challenging. So, the challenge is not frustrating; but rather, exhilarating! The biggest challenge is also the most rewarding. It comes when you go to into a community, such as those in the Creole populations of Louisiana, and are allowed into the homes of a people who are rich in history, culture and love.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about African Scientific Research Institute – what should we know?
In 2006, the African Scientific Research Institute (ASRI) began collaborative work with the Parks/Promiseland communities of St. Martinville, Louisiana. ASRI initiated the Promiseland Heritage Development Project in St. Martinville, Louisiana in 2014. This was considered the first project of the “Jean Baptiste Point DeSable Delta Trails” enterprise, a cultural heritage tourism enterprise providing an innovative platform for eco-tourism and entrepreneurship. ASRI also sponsored the “First Annual African Diaspora Heritage Tour/Conferenc” as part of the Promiseland Heritage Development project.
ASRI is unique because we have captured a part of this country’s history in a way no other entrepreneur has done before. Not only is ASRI representative of a very small group of archeologists who are themselves minorities; we have advanced “beyond the burial ground” to tell the story of a people who helped to build and shape the country. True to it’s vision and mission, ASRI challenges communities of people throughout the Delta Region through the identification of “Core Competency” initiatives:
Eco-Tourism
Creole Language Learning
Archeological Field Training School
Eco-Tourism
This ecotourism business will also provide opportunities to showcase locally-grown and cultivated items such as fruits, vegetables, spices, recipes, fruit wines, and pepper jellies from Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and throughout the Delta Region, which extends to southern Illinois. A variety of products can be developed by local farmers to launch an organic food initiative to bring focus on local and regional food systems as a new component to assist with economic growth by creating sustainable jobs.
Creole Language: A community-based learning model has been very successful in supporting language retention and learning among Cajun-French speaking population in Louisiana. But, there has never been a comparable “La Table Creole” for speakers of Creole French. These Creole language learning sessions are coordinated by local retired educators and indigenous people for whom Creole is a native language. Encouraging competency in the Creole language is an exciting an unanticipated component in the development of Eco-Tourism throughout the Delta region.
Archeological Field Training School
ASRI offers unique archaeological field schools for the development of young minds with the vision of training young archeologists. The “schools” assist in the forensic investigation of Black American remains. ASRI has unearthed the remains of slave artifacts in Pembroke, Illinois, and Park, Louisiana. In St. Louis, Missouri, ASRI found the skeletal remains of ASRI-1(female) and ASRI-2(male) which date back to 1740. Brother Muhammad’s team was able to reconstruct the faces of these enslaved ancestors. The skull and reconstructed face of the male ASRI-2 are pictured above along with Dr. Jihad Muhammad. In 1999, Brother Muhammad and ASRI began the search for Jean Baptiste de Sable.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Success cannot be attributed to a single quality or characteristic. It’s a combination of several, not the least of which are:
1. Dedication and perseverance: Never give up!
2. A refined and unique skill set: Master your craft.
3. A passion and love for what you do: Despite failures and set-backs, which will surely come, an absolute
passion for what you want to achieve will forever propel you forward.
Contact Info:
- Address: Chicago: 201 South Main Street
Chicago, IL
Louisiana: Promiseland Heritage Development Project, 303 Pavillion St., Lafayette LA 70507
Missouri: 1054 Rue La Ville Walk, St. Louis MO 63141 - Phone: 312.505.4784
- Email: jihadmuhammad53@gmail.com
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
