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“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
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committed people can change the world. Indeed,
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it’s the only thing that ever has.”
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-- Margaret Mead
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Why should my students study the Amistad case? The answer is quite simple: it is a fascinating narrative for several reasons. In fact, it was really the first civil rights case in this country. It happened before the Civil War, at a time when black people had few rights, if any at all. It is a David and Goliath story, good vs. evil, right vs. wrong. The case illustrates how the people of New Haven came together for a just cause. It caught popular attention right from the start as is seen in the images published by John Warner Barber in 1840. “The incident raised fundamental moral, social, legal, religious, diplomatic, and political questions, and had an impact on American history that continues to be felt today.”
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The case still has relevance today. Connecticut State Senator Toni N. Harp, D-10 was quoted as saying, “Americans should use the Amistad spirit to speak out against every attempt to curb freedom in the 21st century.”
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According to “The Amistad Memorial brochure published by The Amistad Committee, Inc., “the triumph of the Amistad teaches us one of the most important lessons of our time: together we can overcome all odds and strengthen our mutual needs for freedom and quality of life.”
