We are excited to be able to offer this program for School students through our partnership with The Amistad Center located within the Wadsworth Atheneum.

Amistad Through Art: Racial and Social Justice

  • Program Length: Two 60 minutes sessions

  • Location: In classroom/Virtual and at the Amistad Center located within the Wadsworth Atheneum

  • Targeted Audience: 4th grade and up

Part 1 (In the classroom)
Students will learn about the story of the Amistad Rebellion through art, and its impacts on Connecticut and US history. Presenters from Discovering Amistad will bring educational materials allowing students to actively engage with and handle replica items related to the story of the Amistad. During the presentation students will be able to learn about how art has been used by people past and present for social activism, and how they can make a positive impact on the world through their own methods for social change.

Part 2 (The Amistad Center)
Using art currently on display in the Amistad Center’s exhibitions, Highlights from the Diaspora and Freedomways, students will learn about activism and its continuation through time, through art. We start by reinforcing the story of the Amistad rebellion using key pieces like the “Portrait Bust of Cinque” by Anne Dunbar and “Revolt on the Amistad” by Jacob Lawrence. We take a trip through history by exploring the art of Charly Palmer and Emory Douglas, and observe the many facets of activism displayed in their work reflecting the events of their time. With this, we will have in-depth conversations exploring the many layers of activism displayed in art beginning with the historic events on which the artists are commenting, the activism displayed when the artist creates the piece, and the continued activism carried forward in spaces like the Amistad Center.  Students will discuss activism in their own community and hopefully feel empowered to positively inspire and continue to create a better world.

If you are interested in signing up, email our Director of Education Chris Menapace at c_menapace@discoveringamistad.org

To learn more about the Amistad Center Click Here