Local Catholics Welcome Amistad to Bristol

Date: 29 August 2007

Father Robert King, the Clifton Diocese Interfaith Officer was the guest of Marie Hackett at a special reception welcoming the former Cuban cargo ship, Amistad, to Bristol as part of the city’s Abolition 200 commemorations.

Marie Hackett is a parishioner at St Mary-on-the-Quay in Bristol and plays a key role in coordinating the year-long Abolition 200 commemorations, as a member of the planning committee.

Amistad's Freedom Tour is an epic 18-month transatlantic voyage, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade act in the UK. The schooner is a replica of the original ship which was commandeered by its African captives in 1839. Three students from Bristol's African Caribbean community have been selected to join the crew of Amistad on her spectacular journey to retrace the infamous slave industry triangle with stops at more than a dozen Atlantic ports, including Bristol.

The Amistad (Spanish for friendship) is making it's was back to Sierra Leon – sailing the infamous slave route in reverse.

The significance of the Amistad is as a boat of freedom. Its presence dispels historical ignorance in the various docks and harbours en route.

The Amistad is now moored in Bristol Docks opposite the Arnolfini arts centre.

The schooner will set sail for London on Tuesday 4 September and is expected to moor in the capital’s South Quay on 13 September.

Let Us Pod - audio reports coming soon to cliftondiocese.com
Useful URL : http://www.amistadamerica.org