Fallou Ngom, a professor of anthropology at Boston University, made a groundbreaking discovery when he found Ajami, a modified Arabic script, among his late father's belongings. This script, used to write in local languages such as Wolof and Hausa, challenges the long-held belief that many African communities are illiterate. Ngom's research revealed that Ajami has been in use since at least the 10th century, documenting daily life, poetry, and religious texts. His findings highlight a rich literary tradition that has persisted despite colonial narratives. Ngom's work has led to the creation of a vast digital library of over 30,000 pages of Ajami texts, making significant strides in African studies. Boston University now leads the only Ajami program in the United States, training students to read and interpret these important documents. Recent grants have further expanded efforts to digitize and translate Ajami texts, fostering a collaborative approach that includes native speakers. This initiative not only preserves African voices but also reshapes the understanding of African history from an indigenous perspective.