ENCOUNTERS: Amistad: Artistic Perspectives

In 1839, 53 captive Africans rebelled aboard the Spanish schooner La Amistad. They took over the ship, but were captured by the US Navy in Long Island Sound and taken into custody. They then allied with local abolitionists in Connecticut to fight for their freedom through the US court system, and ultimately won. Over 150 years later, the Connecticut legislature established the CT Freedom Trail. Its mission is documenting and designating sites that embody the struggle toward freedom and human dignity, and celebrating the accomplishments of the state’s Black and African American communities. The story of the Amistad is one of the most famous stories along the CT Freedom Trail.

Why does history so often become art? The bravery and eventual victory of the Amistad Africans has been immortalized in the history books. But long before historians began to examine the Amistad saga, artists had already claimed the story in their own work. From contemporary portraits of the Africans to modern day stage performances, artists have told us the story of Amistad from diverse and unique perspectives. What can these works tell us about how we remember history? How does a historical event become a piece of art? Join us for an informed and collaborative exploration of these fascinating questions! This program is a partnership with The Human Rights Institute at UConn.         

Encounters programs dive deep into subjects through facilitated, small-group dialogues followed by a question-and-answer style conversation with our UConn faculty and community partners. Resources are provided beforehand to encourage informed and informal dialogue. The aim is to develop a forum for respectful and challenging dialogue, followed by a communal meal and coffee.

Register:http://s.uconn.edu/amistad