New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
In celebration of Black History Month, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park’s Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) will host a screening of the reality documentary, “The North Star Journey” followed by a discussion. The film portrays the voyage taken by the Youth Ambassador Program (YAP!) to retrace the escape to freedom by Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and other fugitive slaves through the Underground Railroad. The public is invited to participate in the free screening and discussion on February 21 st, 2015 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Corson Maritime Learning Center Theater, 33 William St., downtown New Bedford, MA.
About the reality documentary
After being invited to Washington, D.C. during the summer of 2013, the Youth Ambassadors took on every opportunity and challenge throughout the week. The impact of what they felt, saw, learned and did is evident throughout “The North Star Journey” and in each verse of their newest song, “North Star.” As they became more immersed in the world of the Underground Railroad and in particular the stories of Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass, it seemed they could find the courage and energy to do anything. From learning to kayak, completing a challenge, bike ride, and simply finding a renewed appreciation for opportunities they might pursue thanks to the work of others; inspiration was in the air. After viewing the reality documentary, participants will be able invited to participate in a guided discussion about the “The North Star Journey.”
About the Presenters
YLA prepares high school students for college, employment, and volunteer opportunities in the National Park Service (NPS) and partner organizations. They are engaged in building up community and National Park pride in anticipation of the 2016 NPS Centennial.
Christian Barbosa
- Darnel Staley
- Jacob Silva
- Michaelah Nunes
- Tyler Barbosa
- Zane Cox
This free screening of the reality documentary and discussion is part of the YLA’s journey to familiarize themselves with public speaking, promoting diversity, college reparation, skill development, and community involvement.
The North Star Journey
The trip to create “The North Star Journey” was made possible by a grant from the National Park Foundation through the generous support of ARAMARK through the Yawkey Foundation and the Fernandez Pave. Partners included the New Bedford Historical Society, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Rivers Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program and 3rd Eye Youth Empowerment.
About YAP!
For more information on YAP! go to www.nps.gov/nebe/forkids/yap.htm. View YAP! videos (including “The North Star Journey”) at http://www.youtube.com/user/NewBedfordYAP.
Download the free YAP! App http://www.reverbnation.com/newbedfordyap/app. Download the free YAP! The Teacher’s Online Resource Guide, a companion to YAP’s debut album, Edutainment Movement: http://www.nps.gov/nebe/forkids/upload/YAP-Teachers-Guide.pdf.
About YLA
For more information on YLA go to http://www.nps.gov/nebe/forkids/yla.htm.
