Alumni, donors, and friends sail historic slave ship
Chancellor J. Keith Motley, PhD welcomed UMass Boston alumni
and friends aboard the historic Amistad America for a sunset sail
off Tisbury, Martha’s Vineyard.
By Nanette L. Cormier
Chancellor J. Keith Motley, PhD welcomed thirty-five UMass Boston alumni, donors, and friends aboard the Freedom Schooner Amistad America on August 25th off Tisbury, Martha’s Vineyard. This tall ship, which represents the state of Connecticut, sails around the world to heighten awareness of slave trade history and the stories of resistance waged by black and white abolitionists.
The guests relished this once-in-a-lifetime chance to touch the history of the Amistad Incident and the subsequent U.S. Supreme Court case which resulted in the first anti-slavery decision are believed to have turned the tide against slavery. The event established the ground work for a proposed collaboration between the non-profit organization, Freedom Amistad and the university to engage students in historical and scientific research.
Greeting his fellow “sailors” Chancellor Motley shared his opinion that these Amistad events “stand as significant examples of the monumental change which happens when people of diverse backgrounds unite to create a more just society.”
He noted that University of Massachusetts Boston serves the most diverse student population in New England, with 42 percent of undergraduates being students of color, including sixteen percent African American.
Bill Pickney, Master Emeritus and Captain John Beebe-Center greeted guests as they arrived, as the ship's 15 crew members prepared the Amistad for its sail at dusk. Some walked tightrope style along lines and others swung from sails and rope ladders.
"What a remarkable and spirited opportunity for us to get to know UMass Boston better,” said John Flores ’71, who was joined by his wife Donna. The Floreses, Chancellor’s Council members, enjoyed the chance to meet the Chancellor and fellow alumni.
Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, Darrell Byers said, “It was exciting to allow our guests to have the same 'hands-on' experiences that we hope to offer our students through the research collaboration we are planning. It will be phenomenal to have undergraduates be deeply engaged in a learning experience so vital to U.S. history." The Amistad will visit the Caribbean, Latin America and possibly Africa, in its future tours.
Additional photos from the tour are available for order.
UMass Boston Chancellor’s Council
The Chancellor's Council is a distinguished group of donors whose gifts to UMass Boston form the cornerstone of our private support.
We welcome members who are committed to making UMass Boston a priority in their yearly charitable giving. Each level of membership helps us to create a vibrant 21st century education for UMass Boston's students. To learn more, contact,
Kelly Westerhouse, director of the UMass Boston Fund at 617-287-5342.