Girls Amistad Leadership Academy (GALA)

GALA was an intensive, 30-hour leadership program specifically designed for BIPOC girls. Through a combination of in-person and virtual experiences, the program focused on building leadership, communication skills, and self-confidence, indirectly impacting the wider Stamford community through the extended influence felt by participants’ families and schools. The gender-specific curriculum addressed the unique challenges BIPOC girls face due to the intersections of race and gender, covering topics such as self-identity, teamwork, diversity, and community activism.

Participants collaborated on service-learning projects, including the creation of a promotional video that highlighted art and its connection to the Amistad story. Throughout the program, the girls engaged with prominent community leaders, college representatives, and local heroes. Distinguished guest speakers, like Dr. Tamu Lucero, Stamford’s first Black female Superintendent, expressed gratitude for the collaboration between Stamford Public Schools and Discovering Amistad, stating, “I am thankful for the unity and collaboration… I am confident that this program will have a lasting impact on our students and community.”

The program successfully inspired and empowered young women, leaving a lasting impact on them and the wider community. We are grateful for our partnership with Stamford Public Schools, Office of Family and Community Engagement and for support from:

Amistad CT Youth Voices (ACT-YV)

Also held in spring 2024, the ACT-YV program was a 30-hour, art-based leadership initiative aimed at high school students passionate about social justice, the arts, and community engagement. This statewide program, designed for 75 participants, was hosted aboard the historic Amistad Ship and at key landmarks, providing unique opportunities for growth through interactive tours, leadership workshops, and art activities led by local artists. Students participated in peer-led team-building challenges and heard inspiring presentations from local BIPOC leaders.

By connecting leadership training with the history of the Amistad, ACT-YV empowered students to express themselves artistically, helping them see themselves as capable leaders. The program concluded with a youth-led community forum at the Connecticut Old State House, the historical site of the Amistad Trial. Here, students showcased their service-learning projects, presented their art, and shared the promotional video they had created, demonstrating their newfound understanding of the Amistad’s legacy and its relevance to contemporary social justice issues.

Watch this student produced video to learn more about ACT-YV

We are grateful for our partnerships with CT’s Old Statehouse, Amistad Committee, Connecticut Freedom Trail, and More Than Words and for support from: