27: The Evolution of an American Muslim Community by Lon Muqaddin is a visual and written journey through more than six decades of one of Los Angeles’s most influential Muslim communities. Featuring hundreds of rare and historic photographs, this book traces the remarkable story of Masjid Bilal—from its humble beginnings in the 1950s as a small gathering of African American Muslims, to its rise as a pioneering institution on the historic Central Avenue corridor.

Through carefully curated images and thoughtful narrative, Lon Muqaddin documents the community’s struggles, triumphs, and transformations: the early days of worship in private homes, the purchase of the landmark Elks Lodge in 1973, the leadership of Imam Abdul Karim Hasan, the challenges of rebuilding after an earthquake, and the ultimate achievement of opening a new mosque in 2023.

More than a historical record, this book is a testament to resilience, faith, and the enduring spirit of a community that has shaped both the religious and cultural landscape of Los Angeles. With its blend of storytelling and vivid photography, 27: The Evolution of an American Muslim Community preserves a legacy for future generations and offers readers an intimate look at a community whose vision continues to inspire.