Honoring a Century of Truth at ASALH

Commemorating 100 years of Black History Month in D.C. Paula Mann-Agnew shares a moment with Djimon Hounsou, the actor who gave a voice to Sengbe Pieh on the silver screen.

Our Executive Director, Paula Mann-Agnew, was honored to represent Discovering Amistad at the 100th Annual Black History Month Luncheon in Washington, D.C. Hosted by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)—founded by the "Father of Black History," Dr. Carter G. Woodson—this milestone event celebrated a century of preserving the narratives that define our nation.

For Discovering Amistad, being in this room was a powerful reminder of our responsibility. Just as Dr. Woodson fought to institutionalize the study of Black history, our organization works daily to ensure the 1839 Amistad Uprising remains a cornerstone of our collective understanding of resistance and justice.

A true highlight of the afternoon was connecting with award-winning actor Djimon Hounsou. While many know him for his iconic portrayal of Sengbe Pieh in Steven Spielberg’s Amistad, his commitment to this history goes far beyond the screen. We are so grateful for his support though his foundation @dhf_org and for his unwavering connection to the legacy of the 1839 Amistad Uprising.

As we celebrate 100 years of Black History Month, we are energized by these partnerships that bridge art, activism, and history to inspire the next generation of leaders.