POOL - A History of Swimming and Segregation

A few example pieces of the many illustrations I made for the Fairmount Water Works' 2021 exhibit, POOL. Showcasing the history of black swimmers and breaking down the stereotype of black people not being able to swim.

The USS Gregory is attacked by enemy ships, forcing the crew to jump overboard. (1943)

Charles French swimming 6 hours to pull his fellow wounded soldiers to safety (1943)

First national swim meet to include black swimmers (1971)

A swimming pool in Philadelphia canceled its membership with a swimming program after finding out the students were Black and Hispanic. (2009)

Swimming programs start focusing on black and brown communities to include them within these spaces and teach the children how to swim. (2010)