Who could imagine today that before the Civil War, Blacks and Native Americans were universally regarded as the best swimmers in the world, while most Whites could not swim and drowned in appalling numbers? The history of Black swimming is one of the topics explored in detail at the

International Aquatic History Symposium and Film Festival, May 9 – 12, at the International Swimming Hall of Fame, in Fort Lauderdale.

Schedule of Presentations and Events concerning Black or African Diaspora History

Wednesday, May 9th
7:30 PM White Wash, a documentary film, by Ted Woods, that explores the complexity of race through the eyes of the ocean.

Thursday, May 10th
12 Noon Swimming, Surfing, and Underwater Diving in Atlantic Africa. Professor Kevin Dawson, Ph.D. University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Friday, May 11th
11:00 AM Enslaved Swimmer and Divers of the Atlantic World. Professor Kevin Dawson, Ph.D.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas

12 Noon Having the Necessities: the DuSable High School Swim Team of Chicago, 1935 to the 1950’s. Robert Pruter, MLIS, Researcher, Historian and author, Lewis University

1:30 PM Unveiling of George Gadson Sculpture dedicated to the recognition of contributions to swimming by African swimmers and swimmers of African descent.

2:10 PM Racial Considerations in the design and Culture of American Swimming Pools. Bruce Wigo, J.D, President of the International Swimming Hall of Fame

4:00 PM Strategies for increasing diversity in Aquatic sports, recreation and employment. Panel discussion led by Shaun Anderson, USA Swimming.