Pinkney, a charismatic, naturally gifted speaker and storyteller, is best known for his voyages as Master of the Freedom Schooner, Amistad. The vessel, built in Mystic, is a reproduction of the 129 foot, 18th-century ship that was used to transport slaves to the colonies. It was built as a tribute to the Amistad's African captives, who physically fought for their freedom. But Pinkney has done so much more!
In 1992 Pinkney left his job as a marketing executive for Revlon to sail 32,000 miles around the world solo in a 22-month-long voyage. He was motivated to make the trip as a way of encouraging his grandchildren to understand the importance of education, and to learn such values as personal responsibility, perseverance, and commitment.
In 1992 Pinkney left his job as a marketing executive for Revlon to sail 32,000 miles around the world solo in a 22-month-long voyage. He was motivated to make the trip as a way of encouraging his grandchildren to understand the importance of education, and to learn such values as personal responsibility, perseverance, and commitment.
Pinkney’s project evolved into a corporate-sponsored enterprise that became a “floating classroom” for thousands of American schoolchildren. He named his boat Commitment, and through his courageous journey, became a living symbol of the adage, “Never give up on your dreams.”
Another of Pinkney’s trips was a five-month-long Middle Passage journey that took him, his three-person crew, and a rotating group of 25 American schoolteachers to five countries—Puerto Rico, Brazil, Ghana, Senegal, and the United States. They traveled together on his 80-foot sailboat while the teachers on board created hands-on learning materials for schools across America.
After several years of sailing, writing and reflecting, Pinkney has released a book, As Long As It Takes: Meeting the Challenge. The book details his life from growing up in Chicago during the Great Depression, to his careers with the Navy and Revlon, and to his decision to leave it all behind and become only the fifth American to sail around the world solo.
The public is invited to this free program to hear Pinkney’s inspiring story about his voyages and their application to day-to-day living.
The program is being held in the handicapped accessible student lounge, in Founders Hall, 100 Training Hill Road . For more information, contact Joanne Faust at 860-343-5890 or jfaust@mxcc.commnet.edu.