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Officially reaching the middle of the great Atlantic, Amistad held a ceremony honoring those who were victims of the middle passage during the slave trade era. The ceremony consisted of different prayers and libations, a crew-wide bell-ringing, and finally an offering to the sea, consisting of a basket filled with personal contributions.
Many of the crew decided to give physical offerings, such as jewelry, notes, and various other items. Myself, I gave a few shells that I picked up off the beach at Bunce Island, Sierra Leone. Also included, were ashes of the late Clarkson family dog, Shane.
To be honest, I wasn't prepared for the emotion that overtook me at the conclusion of the ceremony. I had a hard time looking out at the horizon without being overcome with reflection. As my father put it, "It truly is impossible to explain what we just felt to someone who wasn't here with us." It is also impossible to explain how close everyone aboard has become. I feel that only former crew members of Amistad know the bonds that are formed crossing a giant ocean, working together day in, and day out.
Before sitting down to write this, I walked in on A-Watch finishing galley duty while at the same time dancing as if at a concert, definitely the best way to get things done. The rest of the transatlantic voyage will surely be something to cherish forever.
Happy Easter Everyone,
Toby
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