About Us:

The Committee began in 1988 to organize a series of events throughout Connecticut to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Amistad Revolt in 1989. The original Amistad Committee formed 175 years ago in 1839 to raise funds for the legal defense and return voyage of the subsequently liberated Africans who were involved in the Amistad Incident of 1839.

Over the course of the past 25 years Amistad Committee Inc. has feverishly organized, advocated, struggled and triumphed in the tasks of erecting the Amistad Memorial (1992), establishing the Connecticut Freedom Trail (1996), facilitating the launch of the Freedom Schooner Amistad (2000) and scores of achievements in the preservation of African and American history throughout Connecticut. 

Alfred Marder, former longtime President of the Amistad Committee says the Amistad story has a "special connection to the New Haven community and its resurrection and celebration has become a great source of pride.” Marder believes that through each of these efforts new generations become aware that “the struggle against the legacy of slavery is not over.” We gather to celebrate the preservation and honoring of African and American history in Connecticut and dedicate ourselves to this important cause. The preservation of this history and its lessons are imperative and shall not be forgotten, diminished, erased or go unrecognized. 

Learn. Gather. Remember. Strengthen. 

Kai M. Perry
President, The Amistad Committee, Inc.