DeLauro Announces Federal Funding for AMISTAD America

DeLauro Announces Federal Funding for AMISTAD America

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) today announced that AMISTAD America received $98,723 from the U.S. Department of Justice. The funding will be used to educate students around the country on the moral courage, perseverance, and cross-cultural collaboration demonstrated by the Amistad captives of 1839. The funding was included in the FY 2006 Science, State, Justice and Commerce Appropriations bill, which passed Congress and became law last fall.

"Amistad's rich history lives on through Freedom Schooner Amistad," said DeLauro. "But the educational, moral, and cross-cultural struggle of Amistad captives is a history that must be shared with youth from around the country. This funding will allow AMISTAD to continue to expand its educational resources and reach as many young people as possible."

"The board and staff of AMISTAD America are deeply appreciative of Congresswoman Rosa Delauro's continuing efforts to bring the resources of the federal government to bear upon the historic patterns of neglect which continue to plague minority youths in urban communities around the country," said William A. Minter, chair of AMISTAD's Board of Trustees.

AMISTAD America strives to educate the public on a unique and relevant event in U.S. history via Freedom Schooner Amistad's port visits and educational programs. Freedom Schooner Amistad is Connecticut's Flagship and Tall Ship Ambassador. Amistad's home port is Long Wharf Pier in New Haven, Connecticut.

For more information on AMISTAD America, please visit: http://www.amistadamerica.org/.

http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2006/February/amistad_funding_2_23_06.html