YAP! Documentary “The North Star Journey” to premiere at N.B. Whaling Museum

Free Screening February 28, 2014 at 6:00 pm

Premiere of “The North Star Journey” a Reality Documentary by YAP! Experience “The North Star Journey” premiere on Friday, February 28, 2014 from 6:00-7:00 pm at the Cook Memorial Theater at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, 18 Johnny Cake Hill. Doors will open at 5:30 pm.

The free screening is part of New Bedford Celebrates Frederick Douglass: And his Journey from Slavery to the Heights of the Abolitionist Movement, a program series presented by The New Bedford Historical Society, The New Bedford Whaling Museum, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center highlighting Douglass’ remarkable life throughout the month of February 2014.

After being invited to D.C. during the summer of 2013 for a week-long experience, the Youth Ambassadors took on every opportunity and challenge they encountered. The impact of what they felt, saw, learned and did is evident throughout “The North Star Journey” and in every 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 challenging bike ride and simply finding a renewed appreciation for opportunities they might pursue thanks to the work of others; inspiration was in the air.

Production assistant Bianca Johnson summed up the experience: “In just one week I watched four talented individuals take the torch and use their skills to tell a story of our past while seeing a new future for themselves.” The experiences coordinated by NPS sites and partners inspired the ambassadors’ creativity and allowed them to live many of YAP!’s core values such as moving outside, knowing your history, living sustainable, experiencing America, and inspiring others. The at-risk youth that are part of the Youth Ambassador Program have developed into a team of researchers, historians, writers, explorers, lyricists, musicians, polished performers and ambassadors for the National Park Service.

The trip 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 for the “North Star Journey” included the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Greenbelt Park, Harriet Tubman National Monument, Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program and 3rd EyE Youth Empowerment.

View the reality doc trailer here:

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