The Amistad Revolt

"All We Want Is Make Us Free"

narrated by Vinnie Burrows

• Silver Gavel Award 1997, American Bar Association
• Elementary School Library Collection, 21st ed.

"Enthusiastically recommended. Editors’ Choice. Four stars."
– Video Librarian (5-6/97)

"[A] lively and informative chronologically organized presentation of the story. . . . [Uses] appropriate color and black-and-white artwork, readings from original documents, historical research, maps, well-preserved historic visuals. . . . A worthy acquisition." – School Library Journal (5/97)

"Stimulating background music, crowd noises, and short readings add a dramatic flair to this polished production."
– Booklist (2/15/97)

The Amistad Revolt: "All We Want Is Make Us Free" is a compelling, dramatic story of the most significant event against slavery prior to the Civil War. 53 Africans, captured in what is now Sierra Leone, took over the schooner La Amistad in Cuban waters. Thwarted in their plans to return home, they found themselves jailed in New Haven, Connecticut, facing charges of murder and piracy.

This video portrays the campaign that sparked the Abolitionist movement, raised the consciousness of the country to the evils of slavery, and emerged victorious after former President John Quincy Adams argued the case before the U.S. Supreme Court. A teacher’s guide, Free Men, contains information about the Amistad affair, the Mende people, maps, illustrations, and suggested classroom actiities. It may be used with many ability levels.

About the Narrator

Vinie Burrows is a well-known actress and winner of the Living Legend Award by The National Black Theatre Festival, 1995.

Teachers: Looking for more on the African American experience? Click here.