Sunday 9th December 2007 saw the triumphant arrival of the boat La Amistad at Government Wharf in Freetown. An historic occasion. It was a day that was a great celebration of freedom, the fight to abolish slavery and the bravery of Sengbeh Pieh.
La Amistad was a replica of the original La Amistad , a Spanish boat that was transporting slaves illegally from Cuba. One of the slaves Sengbeh Pieh, broke out of his shackles and then freed his fellow captives. Together they overpowered the crew and took control of the ship. The boat was detained by the Americans and the slaves all imprisoned. Their case was taken through the courts of America up to the Supreme court where their freedom was won. The first Human Rights case in American history.
The return of La Amistad was a very significant event for Sierra Leoneans who turned up in great numbers to cheer and wave as the sailing vessel docked and the crew disembarked. There were greetings and speaches from Ministers and the Mayor of Freetown. These were reciprecated by one of the Captains of La Amistad and a representative of the New Haven Sister City Programme who reaffirmed the Sister City status between Freetown and New Haven, Conneticut. For more information about the amazing and inspirational stories of La Amistad past and present please see Amistad’s website at http://www.amistadamerica.org
4 users commented in " La Amistad Makes The Final Breakthrough "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackI am very much impressed about the way, in which you have dedicate to inspire others to know more about La Amistad.The images are very fanterstic and extremely beautiful.Keep it up.
The Sierra Leone Gullah Geechee Fellowship Association will be welcoming the Amistad captain, crew and others tomorrow December 12th at Maita Conference Hall. We look forward to give them a good welcome. We will be presenting a cultural performance about the history of the slave trade. We hope that they will enjoy our show and our hospitality.
I have been waiting since Friday to view pictures of the Amistad’s arrival in Freetown. My daughter Haley Cox is one of the students aboard the schonner. I am so happy I came across this website. It looks like a wonderful celebration. We here at the Black Loyalist Heritage Society in Birchtown Nova Scotia wish we could be there.
Greetings to the Black Loyalist Heritage Society
from Jane and Sahid in Freetown
It was a fantastic day indeed. We have lots of pictures which We will be happy to send. (It takes a time to attach them so it may take me a few days.
We also have some of the fabulous reception by the Gullah Geechee Fellowship Association for the crew of the Amistad. We want to put some on the website then we will forward more
You must be very proud of your daughter. What an achievement.
We know they were at Kent Beach today and will go to Banana Island tomorrow. See the blog about Banana Island for pictures and also the single boat in the sunset on the home page which is Kent. This really is Paradise, we are sure she will enjoy her visit to both these places.
Best wishes
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