Never Give Up! Ama's Journey to Freedom on the Underground Railroad

Gr 5–10—The first segment of this three-part program is an account of Ama, an African Ashanti girl captured from her village in the 1850s to be sold into slavery in America. Live-action footage, photographs, maps, and narrated illustrations document Ama's capture and separation from her family, middle passage across the Atlantic to America, the trials and tribulations of being a slave and living in bondage under a brutal South Carolina farmer, and the perils associated with escaping to Canada to gain freedom via the Underground Railroad. Middle school-age girls act out the story, making history come alive. This film documents the horrific details of the trans-Atlantic slave trade while highlighting the bravery and courage of the enslaved who fought to obtain freedom. Written and verbal definitions of difficult terms provide clarity. An explanation of the Fugitive Slave Act is provided. Ama's courage is displayed throughout the film as she repeats her mother's words: "Never Give Up—no matter what!" Part two explains the Jim Crow Laws (1866-1947), offers examples of racism today, and shows how to express resistance to racism through the use of posters, marches, and taking a stand. The middle school girls are interviewed to get their feedback on the insight they gained from the project and their original artwork is spotlighted. The last segment of the film shares information about the student project. The curriculum can be accessed at nevergiveupfilm.org. Not only does this production present an historical account of slavery, it also delves into how racism still permeates today's culture. A must-have for school media centers and public libraries.—Linda M. Teel, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC