The Niqabi Paralegal

One tends to think that most Muslims in America are immigrants, from the Middle East, South Asia, and other parts of the Muslim world.

In fact, about 42% of American Muslims are African-Americans (source). This is about 2.5 million people.

We also know that a disproportionate number of African-Americans are in prison. According to Human Rights Watch, 9% of all black adults are in corrections or on parole or probation. For black men between the ages of 20 and 29, the rate jumps to 33%. This translates to blacks comprising 49% of the prison population. Given a total incarcerated population of 2 million, this suggests up to one million African-American prison inmates (source).

It is estimated that as many as 30% of African-American inmates are Muslims and have converted to Islam in prison (source). That makes about 300,000 Muslim inmates. Not only is this a substantial number in and of itself but it comprises about 5% of all Muslims in America and 12% of African-American Muslims.

Ignore African-American Muslims and African-American Muslims in corrections and you are ignoring a major part of the experience of Islam in America.

Island in a Sea of Ignorance provides an excellent overview of the history of Islam in American prisons and the experience of incarcerated Muslims. Behind Bars and Call to Prayer describe the personal experiences of Muslim inmates.