Dialogue

A Black youth swim program aims to reclaim African American history with water

Arielle Raveney and Kennedy Vincent
 

Listen (Duration: 30:11)
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black children ages 10 to 14 are 7.6 times more likely to drown in swimming pools than white children. But why is that? 

Experts point to a long history of segregation, generational fear and limited access to swim education as key reasons. This episode looks at how one Champaign program is working to change that by creating a safe, empowering space for Black youth to learn how to swim and reconnect with water on their own terms.

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GUESTS:

Latashia Key

  • SAFE Kids Swim founder
  • Doctoral student at the University of Illinois
  • Swim instructor

James Wright 

  • Sheriff's Temple AOH Church Pastor 
  • Champaign resident
  • Father of a swimming participant

Jasmine Martin

  • Champaign resident
  • Mother of a swimming participant