ABSTRACT
Imagine the site of the current Lincoln Center in New York City on October 22, 1913: 14,000 spectators wait for 350 performers in colorful regalia to take them on a live-action, oratorical, and musical journey. The dramatist has promised that this performance will celebrate the Negro’s contributions to America. This chapter examines Du Bois’ use of Muslim identities in staging “the African,” transmitting historical knowledge, instilling pride, and arguing for equality.
