Freedom Schooner "Amistad" Transatlantic Voyage

Floor Speech

FREEDOM SCHOONER ``AMISTAD'' TRANSATLANTIC VOYAGE -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 15, 2007)

* Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the transatlantic voyage of the Freedom Schooner Amistad vessel, which is scheduled this month in commemoration of the bicentennial abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade in the United Kingdom and the United States and to enter into the Record an article from Carib News entitled ``Amistad To Sail in Bid To Build Understanding and Unity.''

* I am pleased know that on June 21, 2007, the Freedom Schooner Amistad vessel, a replica of the original ship in which Africans that were kidnapped upstaged a revolt, will set sail from New Haven, Connecticut, on an 18 month transatlantic journey called the Atlantic Freedom Tour to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolishment of the Transatlantic Slave Trade in the United Kingdom and United States. College students from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other Atlantic Basin countries will partake in this historic voyage that will duplicate the notorious slave route while studying maritime issues, environmental issues, and the slave trade. These students will also serve as crew members.

* This commemorative voyage offers an excellent opportunity for people all over the world to learn about the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its profound impact then and now on those who survived the high seas and the countries in the Western Hemisphere where they were enslaved. Awareness and acknowledgement of the immeasurable sacrifices and suffering endured should never be forgotten. Although the Transatlantic Slave Trade is a dark part of world history, its abolishment symbolizes the initial key steps towards growth and progress in race relations and human rights globally.

* I introduced a resolution to commemorate the abolishment of the Transatlantic Slave Trade in the United Kingdom. Thus, I applaud and appreciate the Amistad America organization for sponsoring this project. I further applaud my colleague, Senator CHRIS DODD of Connecticut, for supporting this effort by serving as Honorary Chairman of the Atlantic Freedom Tour.

* I urge my colleagues to consider participating in commemoration activities that will occur in the United States next year when our own great country celebrates the bicentennial of legislation abolishing the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

AMISTAD TO SAIL IN BID TO BUILD UNDERSTANDING AND UNITY

NEW HAVEN, CONN., June 5.--AMISTAD America Chairman William Minter recently announced the Freedom Schooner Amistad will be departing its home port of New Haven on June 21st for its 2007-2008 Atlantic Freedom Tour. This historic transatlantic voyage--an epic 18-month journey commemorating the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in the United Kingdom and next year in the United States--will promote the values of understanding and unity represented by Amistad itself. The Freedom Schooner Amistad, the vessel for change, is a replica of the original ship that was commandeered by Africans who had been captured in 1839. Attending the Farewell Ceremonies being held in New Haven on June 21st will be dignitaries from the countries being visited by Amistad during its historic tour. Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd, Honorary Chairman of the Atlantic Freedom Tour will also welcome U.S. luminaries.

``We are pleased that the international community has embraced Amistad's Atlantic Freedom Tour,'' stated Chairman Minter. ``This Tour represents an opportunity to share the values of Amistad--freedom, collaboration, and justice--with communities around the Atlantic Basin with a particular outreach to linking students of all ages.'' Ten college students from the UK and the U.S. will augment the initial crew of the Amistad when it sets sail on its voyage to retrace the infamous slave trade route. In addition to sailing duties, students will be responsible for class study on maritime and environmental studies, as well as the social and economic history of port cities and the legacy of the slave trade. A total of 50 students from countries around the Atlantic Basin will participate as Amistad student/crew during the voyage.

From its first stop in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Amistad will travel to England, arriving in London in early August in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Abolition Act passed by England's Parliament. The Amistad will then join in the Liverpool National Museum's public opening of the International Slavery Museum on August 23rd, the UNESCO designated Slavery Remembrance Day. The ship travels on to Bristol before continuing its voyage to Portugal and the West Coast of Africa, marking major points in the history of the slave trade.

In December the Amistad will sail into the harbor of Freetown, Sierra Leone, the original West African homeland of many of the Amistad captives. This symbolic ``homecoming'' will be a capstone event of the Atlantic Freedom Tour. The Amistad will return to the United States via the Caribbean and Bermuda in Spring of 2008 and travel to multiple ports coming up the East Coast as the U.S. commemorates the bicentenary of legislation to ban the importation of slaves.

To find out more about the Amistad Atlantic Freedom Tour, visit http://www.amistadamerica.org.

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