"Winds of Change" celebrates the little-known seafaring tradition of Africa and her descendants. Black sailors traversed the world along major trade routes, sailing the coast of Africa and beyond. They navigated everything from dugout canoes to whaling ships.

Just as the trade winds moved vessels across the seas, the journey itself ushered its own winds of change. Black men traveled the world and fought for freedom at home and at sea and left cultural influences in their wake as they participated in the flourishing commerce that developed.

With centuries of tradition supporting him, Captain William "Bill" Pinkney carries on the sailing legacy of his forefathers. In 1991, he circumnavigated the globe solo--the first African American sailor to do so. Now as he retraces the historic Middle Passage, he is accompanied by thousands of school children and teachers from across America, as well as you, the visitor at the Museum of Science and Industry.

"Winds of Change" chronicles the individuals who served or serve as role models in the maritime profession and also teaches interesting facts about:

- preparing for the voyage, provising a ship, the actual voyage
- navigation, maps and charts, latitude and longitude, landmarks
- instruments used in seafaring: chronometer, compass, electronic navigation
- trade winds, trade and culture, the people
- careers associated with the maritime industry

Visit the “Winds of Change” exhibition, discover your abilities as a seafaring voyager with the hands-on interactives, then participate in the live presentation given throughout the day in the World Live! Theater.