We have the honor of speaking with Her Royal Highness Princess Karen Chatman, who grew up in Natchez, Mississippi. Despite being far from the birthplace of her ancestral grandfather, Prince Abdul-Rahman ibn Ibrahima Sori of Timbuktu and Timbo, Guinea, she has leveraged her unique position as an African and American royal to drive positive change both in her community and globally.
Prince Abdulrahman Ibrahima ibn Sori spent 40 years enslaved in the cotton-rich city and state of Natchez, Mississippi, from 1788 to 1828. He was freed in 1828, thanks to the intervention of the Moroccan Sultan and President John Quincy Adams. His 40-years of living in Mississippi as a slave led to a lineage that still exists today with Princess Karen and her family.
It is an incredible story and Princess Karen has used her family history and royal title (recognized by the United Nations and United States of America) to increase awareness of those in need around the world. Princess Karen is the President of The United Global Research Center
Can you tell us about your new children’s book collection, and what inspired you to write it?
Indeed, I am thrilled about the book series, “The Adventures of the Lost Prince.” At present, two books from this series are accessible to readers. The inaugural book, “Journey to the Whispering Trees,” and the sequel, “Escape from the Whispering Trees,” make up the collection.
“Journey to the Whispering Trees” introduces readers to a young prince named AbdulAziz from the Kingdom of Alkebulan and his closest friend Sailou. Having recently celebrated their thirteenth birthdays and completed the tribal rite of passage to manhood, they decide to venture beyond their kingdom’s borders. This act defies a longstanding rule that princes of Alkebulan must remain within the palace walls until they ascend to the throne. Their disobedience leads them to another dimension, where they encounter a spirit guide known as the Blue Lady who warns them of dire consequences if they do not return to the palace.
The Adventures of the lost Prince, Book 1 written by H.R.H. Princess Karen Chatman
The sequel, “Escape from the Whispering Trees,” co-authored with my son HRH Prince BrentonKonner, continues the tale of Prince AbdulAziz. It follows his extraordinary journey towards adulthood and his mission to protect his kingdom, his people, and himself. I was inspired to write a child’ s book practically to advocate for children to read books, as video games are now replacing story-time with parents that once was the norm. This series is indeed a captivating read which I hope encourages story-time one again.
You recently visited Timbo, Guinea, Rabat, Morocco, and Cairo, Egypt, to connect with your ancestral relatives. Can you share some highlights from your trips and the people or royals you met?
My journey of self-discovery began years ago, as I attempted to piece together my identity from the oral history passed down by my nonagenarian grandmother. This history spoke of my great-great-grandfather, Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahima Sori, originating from a distant land in Africa. Thanks to Terry Alford and my ancestral cousin, Dr. Artemus Gaye, I was introduced to the Elders of Timbo in Guinea, where Prince Sori resided as a prince before his enslavement.
Left H.R.H. Princess Karen Chatman arrives in Timbo Guinea and is greeted by Right, Cousin Denise Gaye of Monrovia, Liberia
The Elders of Timbo received me warmly. Meeting them stirred a whirlwind of emotions within me – joy and heartbreak. The joy stemmed from the feeling that I had brought Prince Abdul Rahman home, as his blood courses through my veins. I managed to journey back to Timbo, a journey he could not complete as he passed away on the road from Monrovia, Liberia to Timbo, just four months after gaining his freedom. The heartbreak was for the forty years Prince Sori spent in slavery, never to see his family or his cherished Timbo again.
Center H.R.H. Princess Karen Chatman attends the Prince Abdukrahmab Sori Symposium in 2022, Timbo, Guinea
Morocco has always been a source of joy during my travels. My path to self-discovery led me there many years ago, where I had the pleasure of meeting and forming a close bond with Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem. We shared a common goal – the protection of children. During my most recent visit, I had the opportunity to work with Her Highness and the team at the National Observatory for the Rights of the Child (ONDE). Her warmth is palpable to all who know her, and she is a staunch advocate for not only child protection but also women’s rights.
H.R.H. Princess Karen Chatman arrives at the Grand Egyptian Museum for private tour. Cairo Egypt 2023
Egypt, too, has always felt like home during my travels. My trip in August of 2023 marked my husband, Duke Rayshon Chatman’s, first visit to Egypt. The hospitality we received in Egypt was nothing short of regal. We were invited by the Royal House of Egypt to a private viewing and dinner at the Grand Egyptian Museum, a spectacle unlike any I have ever seen before.
How did your visits to these locations influence your understanding of your ancestry and heritage?
My travels to West, North, and East Africa have significantly deepened my understanding of my identity. As a descendant of royalty, influential leaders, and contributors to world history, I am empowered by the knowledge that my roots lie not in a people who were enslaved, but in a people who were explorers, educators, scientists, kings, and queens. The existence of my ancestors, such as Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahima Sori, is documented in manuscripts and archives in the United States, Morocco, Egypt, and Liberia.
What is the Official Royal House of Sori?
The Official Royal House of Sori is an organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of Prince Abdulrahman Ibrahima Sori, also known as Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahima Sori. This organization is my way of ensuring that my family and descendants never lose sight of their royal lineage and origins. Establishing such an organization is crucial, as the majority of African Americans or Black Americans cannot trace their lineage. My family and I are fortunate enough to be able to trace ours. I welcome all who claim lineage or a connection to Prince Sori, as oral history is how most descendants have traced or linked themselves to Prince Sori. Some claim connection through DNA, but as we know, Prince Sori did not leave any DNA samples; only his descendants who were left in Natchez, Mississippi, and those who traveled to Monrovia, Liberia after his death hold the DNA that has spread across the world.
Princess Karen Chatman and El Hadji Mody Ordy Barry holding banner announcing The Symposium for Prince Abdulrahman Ibrahima Sori, December 2022
Due to the lack of DNA from Prince Sori or his wife Isabella, many people rely on property records held by slave masters and the United States Census for researching their lineage. However, many African Americans in the mid and late 1800s lived in combined households for survival and referred to each other as sister, brother, mother, and father, even when they weren’t biologically related. I have found that oral history is often more credible than records that were often vague or incorrect. This is why the Official Royal House of Sori is inclusive and opens its arms and doors to all who want to preserve the legacy of Prince Sori and become part of the Official Royal House of Sori, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, or creed. All are welcome. The Official Royal House of Sori, also known as the Natchez to Timbo Connection, is dedicated to the upward mobility of mankind, offering opportunities for formal education and cultural awareness through art and music.
How do you incorporate your ancestral connections into your work and philanthropic efforts?
Through perseverance. It is my belief that all humans strive for a connectedness. Finding my roots and understanding the significance of who we are as a people, drives me to identify the common root of human’s existence and the common need to support each other.
The U.S. Department of State and United States Ambassador to Guinea Tony Fitrell, welcomes Center Guinea Ambassador Fatoumata Kaba; the Wiseman of Timbo, Elijah Mody Oury Barry; the Official Royal House of Sori; H.R.H. Princess Karen Chatman; Dr. Terry Alford, author of “The Prince Among Slaves”; and Dr. Artemus Gaye, author of “A Toss American Pie”.
Your husband, Prince Rayshon Chatman, recently received a royal title as Prince Consort and Duke. Can you tell us more about him and his role in your charities and initiatives?
Absolutely! Following our marriage in 2018, the Kingdom of Morocco was informed and they acknowledged my husband as His Royal Highness Prince Consort Rayshon Chatman and the Duke of Chefchaouen. The bond between my family and the Kingdom of Morocco is profound, a relationship that dates back to Sultan Abd al-Rahman II’s advocacy for the liberation of Prince Abdulrahm, the leader of the ‘Alawi dynasty. Given our marriage, it was appropriate for my husband to receive a title that reflects my ancestry, tracing back to the reign of King Ibrahima, Prince Abdulrahman’s Father.
Prince Consort, Rayshon Chatman visiting the soux in Cairo Egypt
How does Prince Rayshon Chatman support your philanthropic endeavors and contribute to your shared vision?
Prince Rayshon is dedicated to advancing the education of women and children in underprivileged and rural regions, both at home and abroad. He joined forces with me to create the Bright Star-Agnes Thompson Scholarship, a program designed to help graduating seniors chase their aspirations. This scholarship doesn’t hinge on academic achievement, but rather on the applicant’s potential to demonstrate how they can contribute significantly to the betterment of mankind.
Left, Princess Karen Chatman, Middle, Author Robert Alexander, Right Prince Rayshon Chatman. The 2023, Annual Charity Ball of The Official Royal House of Sori, Dallas Texas
Can you discuss some of the charitable projects or initiatives you are currently involved in?
The Official Royal House of Sori, in conjunction with the Natchez to Timbo Connection Organization L.L.C, has recently inaugurated its latest office in Natchez, Mississippi, a place once inhabited by Prince Sori. This office aims to collaborate with the local community and the City of Natchez to boost tourism, thereby supporting the city’s economic growth plan. It also seeks to create avenues to display cultural diversity through art and music, agriculture, and to aid the local community via philanthropic donations.
Princess Karen and Prince Rayshon with The United Global Research Center’s Volunteer of the Year, far left, Mrs VanDella Manifee
What motivates you to be actively engaged in charitable work, and what impact do you hope to achieve through your efforts?
From as early as I can recall, I’ve always been driven to contribute to humanity and make a difference in someone’s life. It’s a little-known fact that I didn’t draw a salary from any of the charitable organizations I founded. I was raised in Natchez, Mississippi, by economically disadvantaged parents. However, my mother’s generosity towards others, despite our circumstances, laid the foundation for my philanthropic endeavors. Few are aware that I am the founder of Think Pink for a Cure and the United Global Research Center, formerly known as the Princess Karen Foundation of Global Ancestry and Development. The true reward of giving back, especially when it comes from the heart, is the knowledge that you’ve made a difference in someone else’s life. Without the support of others in my life, I wouldn’t be able to help anyone. My ultimate goal is to foster unity among people, to help them realize that we are all one, sharing the same earth, breathing the same air, and sharing the same DNA/RNA. We coexist. Through cultural and social awareness, I hope to reverse the tides of racism and hatred, replacing them with pure, unconditional love for humanity.
How do you balance your roles as an author, philanthropist, and member of royalty?
Through the mercy of my God, the God of Abraham, maintaining a balance and keeping each objective distinct has not been an easy task, yet I have triumphed over numerous adversities. I’ve encountered a multitude of challenges, both professionally and personally. One of my proudest achievements is the authorship of the book series, ‘The Adventures of the Lost Prince’. It offers young readers an opportunity to ignite their imagination, embark on journeys to diverse worlds, and gain exposure to various cultures through the power of reading.
Assuming the role of a Royal is not a straightforward task, especially in America where the concept of royalty is not prevalent. I often find myself answering questions about the legitimacy of Prince Sori’s African royal lineage, his connection to me and my family, and even the existence of the Kingdom of Futa Djallon. Despite the discomfort these questions may cause, the oral history, the unearthed documents validating pre-colonial Africa and its abundant wealth during that era, and my grandmother’s own admission and affirmation of my identity as Princess Karen, the great-granddaughter of Prince Abdulrahman Ibrahima Sori of Futa Djallon, Guinea, born in Timbuctoo, cannot be dismissed.
Right – The Official Royal House of Sori President, H.R.H. Princess Karen Chatman. Left – Trinity College President, Joanne-Berger-Sweeney.
@Walking in the footsteps of a Prince tour, May 2024
On the other hand, giving back to humanity comes naturally to me. My royal title has been instrumental in this endeavor, enabling me to establish connections and network with leaders who share a similar commitment to philanthropy and making a positive impact on others’ lives.
Can you share some advice for individuals looking to make a positive difference in their communities or around the world?
I would advise anyone that wants to make a positive difference in their community, to first determine what their passion is. Once this is determined to find a mentor that can help guide them. To never give up on helping another or pursuing their dreams. To not be concern with the opinions of others and to be their biggest fan and to never allow or acknowledge defeat. Defeat is a figment of one’s imagination it is only real if you breathe life into it.
What role do you see yourself playing in promoting cultural understanding and unity through your work?
My plan involves organizing excursions to diverse locations worldwide and collaborating with academic communities to uncover hidden documents and manuscripts that could reveal more about lost civilizations. Furthermore, I aim to foster relationships with academic circles and organizations committed to enhancing cultural awareness, with the goal of promoting social and cultural acceptance.
How do you use your platforms and influence to advocate for social justice and equality?
I will persist in fulfilling the obligations of my royal status from the Official Royal House of Sori, utilizing my title to inspire and effect positive transformation in individuals, communities, and society at large. I will remain a staunch advocate for social justice and equality, promoting these values through education, cultural exchanges, and the introduction of global art and music. I will also strive to connect with influential change-makers who can join me in my mission to broaden charitable contributions to those in need.
To know more about Princess Karen Chatman and The Global Research Center, please visit https://www.theunitedglobalresearchcenter.org
Main image: Left, Prince Rayshon Chatman, Right Princess Karen. Cairo Egypt, visiting the Gaza pyramids.
This interview article is a cover story
