Black Swimmers Challenge Stereotypes: A Documentary Resurfaces

A short documentary, "Black Folk Don't...Swim", is making waves as it re-emerges ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, shedding light on the persisting myth that Black people don't swim. The film, presented by Black Public Media (BPM) as part of their AfroPop Digital Shorts series, tackles a loaded topic within the Black community, exploring the history and reality of Black people and swimming.

The documentary, currently available for free streaming on the Black Public Media YouTube Channel, kicks off with street interviews in New Orleans, capturing diverse perspectives on the issue. Writer, television personality, and podcaster Touré, and writer, educator, and media figure Melissa Harris-Perry, contribute to the conversation, openly addressing the myth and its impact. Touré himself admits he can't swim, highlighting the personal connection many Black people have to this particular stereotype.

"Black Folk Don't...Swim" is a part of BPM's earlier series, "Black Folk Don't", which was featured in Time Magazine's "10 Ideas That Are Changing Your Life". This humorous series tackled common myths and stereotypes about Black people, exploring their origins and examining their impact.

Black Public Media, a Harlem-based national non-profit, has been funding and distributing films about the Black experience since 1979. The organization continues to play a crucial role in amplifying Black voices and stories through its diverse range of projects.

The documentary features individuals sharing their personal experiences with swimming, from those traumatized by witnessing a drowning, highlighting the fear and lack of access that often prevents Black people from learning to swim, to those who have a deep love for the water.

"We definitely joke about it," Touré says, "I don't think there's any natural, human biological thing of melanin and buoyancy." This statement debunks the misconception that Black people are somehow physically less equipped for swimming.

"Black Folk Don't...Swim" was directed by Angela Tucker, an Emmy and Webby award-winning filmmaker with experience in scripted and unscripted film and television. Her latest film, "The Inquisitor", about political icon Barbara Jordan, is set to be broadcast on PBS. Tucker is also the founder of TuckerGurl Inc., a boutique production company that produced the documentary.

The film's release coincides with the 2024 Paris Olympics, a moment when the world will be watching as Black swimmers compete on the world stage. Anthony Nesty, the first Black head coach for the U.S. men's swimming team, will lead the American team, a significant achievement in itself. Nesty, a 1988 Olympic gold medal winner in the 100-meter butterfly representing Suriname, has also coached Olympic swimming legend Katie Ledecky.

Other notable Black swimmers competing in Paris include returning Olympian Simone Manuel, who won two gold and two silver medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics, including gold in the 100-meter freestyle, and first-time Olympian Shaine Casas, an American professional swimmer and record holder in the short course 4×50 meter medley relay.

The presence of these talented Black swimmers on the world stage challenges the outdated myth that Black people don't swim, bringing attention to the importance of access and representation in aquatic sports. "Black Folk Don't...Swim" provides a platform for these conversations, reminding us that the water is for everyone, regardless of race or background.

For more information and to view the movie trailer, visit: youtu.be.