|
Amistad Atlantic Freedom Tour launched by Great Britain’s Deputy Prime Minister
Five British Students to Join American Counterparts on Ship
Great Britain’s Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott today announced the launch of the Amistad Atlantic Freedom Tour-- an epic 18-month transatlantic voyage commemorating the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in the United Kingdom and next year in the United States. He also presented 5 British students representing each of the ports the Amistad will visit while in the United Kingdom.
The Freedom Schooner Amistad- the Vessel for Change—is a replica of the original ship that was commandeered by its African captives in 1839. It will depart from its home port of New Haven, Connecticut on June 21st and retrace the infamous slave industry triangle.
The Deputy Prime Minister, a former seaman, said goodbye and bon voyage to young people from the former slave ports of London, Liverpool and Bristol who were introduced as part of the Amistad’s student-crew at the official launch at Admiralty House in London.
The students are:
Michael Simon, 19, from Toxteth, Liverpool
Imogen Ashfield, 17, from Eltham, London
Saphra Ross, 20 from Bristol
Chantelle Wright, 21, from Bristol
Nadia Waithe, 22, from Bristol
These students will join their American counterparts and the crew of Amistad for two weeks of maritime training in Connecticut, and then will embark on the 4,000 mile trip across the Atlantic to the UK on June 21 2007.
After a layover in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Amistad and its crew will arrive in London in early August before sailing to Liverpool for the opening of the International Slavery Museum and then on to Bristol before resuming its voyage. It will then proceed to Lisbon, Madeira, Dakar, and Freetown Sierra Leone. Amistad will return to the United States in 2008 via Barbados, Puerto Rico and Bermuda.
Ten college students from the UK and the US will augment the crew of the Freedom Schooner Amistad when it sets sail from New Haven. A total of 50 students from countries around the Atlantic Basin will participate in the program over the next 18 months. They will be linked with students of all ages in shore side schools who will follow the curriculum with age-appropriate studies and live webcasts. Several million students in all are expected to participate via internet and satellite technology.
Midway through its 14,000 mile journey, the schooner will sail into the harbour of Freetown, Sierra Leone, the original West African homeland of many of the Amistad captives. This symbolic “homecoming” will be a landmark event during the tour and will involve church and non-governmental organizations, as well as the governments of Britain, the United States and representatives from the United Nations.
It is then expected to arrive in Charleston, South Carolina in Spring of 2008 and visit ports along the US East Coast to mark America’s 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade.
The Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott MP, said: “I am proud that young people from the former slave ports of Bristol, Liverpool and London will play a part in this historic tour, spreading tolerance and respect across the world.
“I sailed across the Atlantic many times as a seaman, but only on liners. I have great respect for what these young people are about to do and I wish them a safe journey and a fantastic voyage.
“The Amistad incident is a truly inspiring story which rightly holds a significant place in the history of the struggle to end the barbaric trade in human beings.”
AMISTAD America, Inc. is an American educational charity that promotes improved relationships between races and cultures through its unique educational programmes.
Throughout the tour, the crew and students on board the Amistad will transmit text, images and video from the schooner back to classrooms and participating museums which are located in ports-of-call along the route of the tour.
AMISTAD America Chairman William Minter said “We are pleased by the enthusiastic participation of British students on Amistad’s Atlantic Freedom Tour. This tour will link several million students of all ages, and it is significant that Britain play a lead role.”
Michael Simon said of joining the Amistad crew: “My family come from Sierra Leone, Guyana, Antigua and Trinidad - many various locations in which the Africa Diaspora was spread and my original western roots were laid.
“I hope to play a full and integral role on the Amistad and build upon my skills and previous experience of working in a team environment. The part that I find
most exciting would be the opportunity and the experience of working alongside my peers from across this country and the USA.”
Imogen Ashfield added: “I have briefly studied the triangular trade, a part of history I have only read from a school textbook. It’s going to be an incredible journey, both physically and mentally to see this subject virtually brought to life.”
Saphra Ross added: “Participating in this voyage will be an opportunity of a lifetime. “Being on the ship will provide a feel of what slavery was like and help to further understand what it was like for our ancestors. I think it is a brilliant way to allow our history to live on through generations as those who take part, pass on the invaluable knowledge that is learnt.”
The students will fly to the United States courtesy of Delta Air Lines, the official airline of Amistad ‘s Atlantic Freedom Tour.
To find out more about the Atlantic Freedom Tour, visit: www.amistadamerica.org
|
