[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 97 (Friday, June 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1305]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           FREEDOM SCHOONER ``AMISTAD'' TRANSATLANTIC VOYAGE

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                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, 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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