The Makos Swim Team, based in North St. Louis, Illinois, is a team of young swimmers who are breaking down barriers in the pool. The team, which consists of athletes aged 4 to 19, is made up of Black and multiracial kids who are passionate about swimming. However, the team’s presence at the pool is not without controversy. Many spectators whisper about the team’s presence, and some have even questioned their ability to swim.

“They don’t know that we’re listening,” Randella Randell, a swimmer’s mom, said. “But we’re here to stay. We’re here to represent. We’re going to show you that Black kids know how to swim. We swim, too.”

The Black Swimmers Alliance was formed by the parents of the Makos swimmers to address the lack of Black representation in swimming. The group’s goal is to “bridge the gap in aquatic skills” and provide swim lessons to families of color. However, the group is facing challenges in its mission due to the recent federal backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Despite these challenges, the Black Swimmers Alliance is committed to helping Black athletes swim competitively throughout their school years and in college. The group has already funded 150 free swim lessons in St. Louis and aims to fund 500 lessons by the end of 2025.

1. The Black Swimmers Alliance offers swim lessons to families of color, with a focus on water safety and competitive swimming.
2. The group aims to provide 500 free swim lessons by the end of 2025.
3. The Black Swimmers Alliance is committed to helping Black athletes swim competitively throughout their school years and in college.

The Makos swimmers are not only breaking down barriers in the pool but also in their community. Many of the team’s parents are afraid of the water, and the children are learning to swim to help their parents overcome their fears. This is not just about swimming; it’s about overcoming something that once felt impossible. The team’s coach, Terea Goodwin, is a strong advocate for swimming as a lifesaving skill. She believes that swimming can be a powerful tool for social change and has been working with the Black Swimmers Alliance to promote water safety and competitive swimming.

The Black Swimmers Alliance is not just about swimming; it’s about creating a more inclusive and equitable community. By providing swim lessons and promoting water safety, the group is helping to bridge the gap in aquatic skills and provide opportunities for Black athletes to succeed. Despite the challenges, the Black Swimmers Alliance is making a difference. The group’s efforts have been recognized by local news outlets, and the team’s success is inspiring other communities to follow suit. In conclusion, the Black Swimmers Alliance is a powerful example of how a community can come together to make a difference. By promoting water safety and competitive swimming, the group is helping to break down barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable community. “It’s not just about swimming,” said Mahoganny Richardson, a member of the Black Swimmers Alliance.