People & Partners
At Discovering Amistad, it’s our people & partners who empower, enable and inspire us to offer year-round programming about racial & social justice.
From a knowledgeable and passionate Board of Directors…to a small but incredibly skilled staff of Educators…to a loyal and committed group of Partners and Funders…to the countless inspiring and courageous teachers, students and community leaders who benefit from our efforts, we thank and salute the individuals, organizations and voices of Discovering Amistad.
We invite you to discover more about our People & Partners here. And we invite you to join us in creating the change we want to see.
From our leadership
“I am always moved when I hear the story of the 1839 Amistad Uprising. I find that the events of the story are a ‘microcosm’ of the generational racial injustice faced by African Americans. The story holds themes of white supremacy, dehumanization, capitalism, murder, systemic oppression etc. However, also imbedded in the story are themes of triumph, cultural pride, strategic thinking, and resiliency. The African American experience incorporates such a complex mixture of themes and experiences intertwined. At Discovering Amistad, we acknowledge these multifaceted themes and are committed to use our “floating classroom” to facilitate initiatives that impart inclusive education, generate conscious conversations, and mobilize agents of change.”
Paula Mann-Agnew, Discovering Amistad Executive Director
Praise for the Educational Programs of Discovering Amistad
“We have seen firsthand the dedication and skill of Discovering Amistad’s staff in educating Connecticut students about our collective history. By providing a local primary source, they enable students to develop a more in-depth understanding of the broader impact of the Amistad uprising and celebrate how Connecticut abolitionists influenced the transformation of Atlantic slavery.”
Ingrid Canady, Executive Director
State Education Resource Center (SERC)
“ Stamford is proud to be the first school district in Connecticut to partner with Discovering Amistad to provide every eighth-grade student in our district the opportunity to receive in-class lessons about the history of the ship and current social justice issues.”
Dr. Lori Rhodes, Stamford Assistant Superintendent
“Discovering Amistad has strived to achieve education and awareness through the construction of the Amistad Schooner and I think we can all agree that they have not only met, but exceeded their goals. I have been proud to support your efforts and am looking forward to continuing to work with you.”
The Honorable Rosa DeLauro
From our partners
“The legacy of resilience and bravery is the foundation of the Connecticut Freedom Trail. Having the first "gathering" of the multiple Freedom Trail sites aboard the Amistad was poignant, as well as historic.”
Tammy Denease, Outreach Director
Connecticut Freedom Trail
“Our association with the ship Amistad began in 1999 when its keel was laid to begin construction in our Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard. More than the ship, however, it is the story of the Amistad and its social justice message that is far more relevant to the Museum and its visitors. We are proud to work in partnership with Discovering Amistad to convey that message to an ever widening audience. The sea connects us all.”
Peter Armstrong, President
Mystic Seaport Museum
Our Leadership
Discovering Amistad's Board of Directors includes individuals with experience in advocacy, education, policy and business. The board oversees Discovering Amistad's work and helps to ensure we are making progress with our mission.
National Advisory Council
The National Advisory Council is comprised of leaders from the business, judicial, education and service sectors. The role of the Council is to provide strategic counsel to Discovering Amistad and facilitate introductions to potential funding partners and Board members.
Our Partners
We are grateful for our Community Partners and Supporters
With the support of the Department of Economic and Community Development, Connecticut Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Executive Director
Old State House-Hartford