Meet and Greet with Captain William “Bill” Pinkney at Mystic Seaport

Discovering Amistad recognized Captain Pinkney for his trailblazing accomplishments in advancing Maritime Cultural Heritage. As the first captain of Freedom Schooner Amistad, he "charted the course" for the ship's purpose as a floating classroom to advance racial and social justice.

On the Amistad, he and his crew took an incredible voyage to retrace the Middle Passage slave route in order to educate the world about the l839 Amistad Uprising and its message of social justice and human rights. Another extraordinary accomplishment – Captain Pinkney is the first African American to solo circumnavigate around the world via Cape Horn. He has received many prestigious awards for maritime exploration, competition, and scholarship. He is recognized for opening the world of maritime to inner-city youth.

Michael Preston (Paradise Express Ferry), Rory Cumming (Discovering Amistad Board Member), Garry Anthony Johnson (Paradise Express Ferry) and Paula Mann-Agnew (Executive Director of Discovering Amistad)

Captain William "Bill" Pinkney dings a jingle while he mingles.

Discovering Amistad Board Member Corey Stone also contributing to the rhythm of friendship, unity, and freedom.

Discovering Amistad Executive Director Paula Mann-Agnew and Captain Pinkney dance off as Drummer Mike Mills (Right Corner) and crew fill the air with their amazing percussions.

Discovering Amistad Cochair, Bob King and Shipkeeper RJ Lavallee

Our beloved Amistad from a far as she rests on the waters of Mystic accompanied by the many friends aboard.

Mike Preston (Paradise Express Ferry), Captain William "Bill" Pinkney" and Garry Anthony Johnson (Paradise Express Ferry). One last selfie before boarding the Amistad. Say cheese!

Music mixer master Mike Mills as he plays the tambourine. A man of many talents, a true friend of Discovering Amistad for many years to come. Thank you Mike!

From far left: Garry Anthony Johnson, Founder/CEO of Paradise Express Ferry LLC. Tom (NAACP), Mike Preston, Paradise Express Ferry, LLC and Bob King Discovering Amistad Co-Chair. Getting acquainted before boarding the Amistad for music and friendship.

Executive Director, Paula Mann-Agnew thanking Captain William "Bill" Pinkney" for Captain Pinkney being the first African American to solo circumnavigate around the world via Cape Horn.

Captain William "Bill" Pinkney tells the story of his adventures of the Amistad as he "charted the course" for the ship's purpose as a floating classroom to advance racial and social justice.

Kai Perry (President, The Amistad Committee, Inc. Board Member, Discovering Amistad and Captain William "Bill" Pinkney share the story of the nail that broke the chains to freedom. Literally.

On bench: Quinten Shediker Mystic Curator of Watercraft, Captain William “Bill" Pinkney, and Discovering Amistad Executive Director Paula Mann-Agnew alongside the many faces that made this day one to remember. From all of us at Discovering Amistad, thank you!

Discovering Amistad continuing to build friendships. Thank you to everyone that came out to acknowledge Captain Pinkney and his trailblazing achievements in charting the course for diversity inclusion and equality.

Far left: Mystic Community Member and Haddad and Partners Cindy, Ryan, Breanna, and Fran pose with Captain William "Bill" Pinkney's book "Sailing Commitment Around the World with Captain Bill Pinkney"

by Bill Pinkney, Illustrated by Pamela C. Rice https://aalbc.com/books/bookinfo.php?isbn13=9781513693361

Captain William "Bill" Pinkney and Discovering Amistad Project Coordinator Reeshemah Norfleet sharing the story of the Amistad. From life to book. Cheers to many more adventures!

This event was hosted in collaboration with Mystic Seaport Museum, Amistad Committee, and Discovering Amistad

2022-10 Captain Pinkney Reception

Meet and Greet with Captain William “Bill” Pinkney at Mystic Seaport

Discovering Amistad