The document summarizes key events involving the slave ship La Amistad. It describes how Mende captives from Sierra Leone seized control of the ship after being transported from Havana, Cuba. The ship was then captured off the coast of Long Island. The Supreme Court case United States v. The Amistad ruled in favor of the Mende and restored their freedom, making La Amistad a symbol in the movement to abolish slavery.

1. The Slave’s Journey

2. While Viewing:
• Write down observational notes
• Write down questions
• Write down words that describe the images

10. The Door of No Return

18. Slave Auction, Easton, Maryland

23. La Amistad
La Amistad (Spanish: Friendship) was a 19th-century two-masted schooner built in
Spain and owned by a Spaniard living in Cuba.
While it was transporting Mende captives originally kidnapped in Sierra Leone from
Havana, Cuba, in July 1839, the Africans took control of the ship.
La Amistad was captured off the coast of Long Island by the Revenue Cutter USS
Washington. The Mende and La Amistad were interned while court proceedings were
undertaken for their disposition.
The case, United States v. The Amistad (1841) was finally decided by the Supreme
Court of the United States in favor of the Mende, restoring their freedom. It became
a symbol in the movement to abolish slavery.

24. After Viewing:
• Write a brief reflection about what you’ve seen. How do you feel?
What value, if any, can be gained from viewing these images? What
questions do you have?