The Slave’s Journey

While Viewing:

• Write down observational notes• Write down questions• Write down words that describe the images

The Door of No Return

Slave Auction, Easton, Maryland

La AmistadLa Amistad (Spanish: Friendship) was a 19th-century two-masted schooner built in Spain and owned by a Spaniard living in Cuba.

While it was transporting Mende captives originally kidnapped in Sierra Leone from Havana, Cuba, in July 1839, the Africans took control of the ship.

La Amistad was captured off the coast of Long Island by the Revenue Cutter USS Washington. The Mende and La Amistad were interned while court proceedings were undertaken for their disposition.

The case, United States v. The Amistad (1841) was finally decided by the Supreme Court of the United States in favor of the Mende, restoring their freedom. It became a symbol in the movement to abolish slavery.

After Viewing:

• Write a brief reflection about what you’ve seen. How do you feel? What value, if any, can be gained from viewing these images? What questions do you have?

Critical Thinking:• When European slave traders arrived in Africa, Africans sold

them African slaves. Therefore, Europeans can’t be held fully responsible for the institution of slavery. Do you agree with this statement?

• Often people attempt to explain slavery by saying, “It was a different time, people thought differently. It’s likely that you could participate in the institution of slavery and not feel bad about it.” Do you agree with this statement?