VOA慢速英语:被奴役的非洲穆斯林帮助建立了美国

scholar - n. a person who has studied a subject for a long time and knows a lot about it

intimate - adj. having a very close relationship : very warm and friendly

challenge - v. to say or show that (something) may not be true, correct, or legal

practice - v. to live according to the customs and teachings of (a religion)

rug - n. a piece of thick, heavy material that is used to cover usually a section of a floor

beads - n. a small, usually round piece of glass, wood, stone, etc., that has a hole through its center and that is put on a string with other similar pieces and worn as jewelry or that is sewn onto clothing

thread - n. an idea, feeling, etc., that connects the different parts of something (such as a story)