About the Course: Certificate in Academic Studies in Moorish History & Culture
The Specialization in Moorish History and Culture serves as the capstone course of The Moorish American Institute’s Certificate Program. Designed for students who have successfully completed the foundational curriculum, this advanced course provides an opportunity to synthesize historical knowledge, cultural comprehension, legal literacy, critical inquiry, and scholarly research into a comprehensive academic project.
Students engage in independent research, evaluate primary and secondary sources, and demonstrate mastery through discussion, analytical writing, presentations, and applied scholarship. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based reasoning, intellectual integrity, effective communication, and the responsible interpretation of historical and cultural materials.
Your Instructor
Lonnie Bray EL, M. F. A., M.A., B.A., A.S.
Lonnie Bray EL is the Headmaster of The Moorish American Institute and a cultural asset. As an independent scholar, educator, historian, filmmaker, psychologist, and martial artist, his work, Mind-Building, is focused on interdisciplinary studies of History, Culture, Languages, Psychology, and Laws that shape legal frameworks of identity and cultural continuity.
He is also an expert legal-assistant, chess-player, and sword-fighter who holds a Science Degree from Cuyahoga Community College, Bachelor Arts in English | Creative Writing-Magna Cum laude from Cleveland State University, Master of Arts of Communications in Digital and Media Communications and Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Lindenwood University, and Master of Teach English as a Second Language from Arizona State University.
His courses emphasize evidence-based research, critical thinking, historical inquiry, and practical application of knowledge. He is the author of “The Book Of Moors,” “Moor Moro Moorish History And Culture,” “Moorish American Nationality Keys,” and “The Book Of Moor Poetry.”
Through MAI, EL seeks to equip students with the intellectual tools to better understand history, strengthen analytical skills, and become informed, moral, and engaged members of our communities. His educational philosophy is rooted in lifelong learning, academic integrity, and the belief that knowledge should inspire personal growth and responsible leadership.