Never Give Up!
Ama’s Journey to Freedom on the Underground Railroad
SYNOPSIS
A coming-of-age historical fiction set in the 1850s, this free 28-minute educational film, ‘Never Give Up! Ama’s Journey to Freedom on the Underground Railroad’ provides excellent, well-researched content on slavery in the United States, as well as on everyday acts of resistance by enslaved people. The richly textured, innovative film breathes life into history by weaving live footage of students acting out the story of an enslaved girl named Ama with compelling original illustrations, historical photographs, and a powerful, emotional music score. ‘Never Give Up!’ makes history relevant and relatable.
WATCH FILM BELOW
WHY USE THIS FILM?
Slavery is a topic that often makes students uncomfortable because of the difficult nature of the subject matter. African American and white students may feel particularly uneasy because there’s often a narrow representation of each race as either victim or oppressor.
Without minimizing the horrible brutality of slavery and of those who perpetrated it, Never Give Up! presents engaging portrayals of both African Americans and white people bravely resisting slavery.
Students watching the film will develop empathy for those who endured slavery, learn about everyday acts of resistance, and be inspired by Ama and her friend Ben to stand up for justice today.
BONUS FEATURES
Underground Railroad Project Part II
Making of the Project
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
FILM ILLUSTRATIONS
Cartoonist/illustrator Mary Nadler created the 17 evocative illustrations (featured below) of Ama and Ben used to dramatize the Never Give Up! film.
Mary Nadler retains the copyright to her illustrations, which may only be used for educational purposes. Mary Nadler © 2012.
