We are a group of triathletes and swimmers associated with Tri Team PDX, who in the wake of the Black Lives Matters nationwide conversation, rose to action.  Our consultation on our potential action focused on the epidemic of drowning within the Black Community. Our Black Swimming initiative seeks to expand meaningful participation in water sports by providing a strong sense of belonging for black athletes of all backgrounds, abilities, and lifestyles by supporting safe and accessible water safety and swimming instruction.   

“Growing up in the northwest, I was always near a body of water yet my family was fearful of entering it.”  With the help of friends, Morgan started his journey of swimming in 2013.   Early on he would start with a front crawl and end up on his back doing an elementary backstroke.  His fear of the water eventually faded as he and his youngest daughter spent time playing in the water.  “As she learned to be confident in the water, I gained strength from her.”  His persistence led to his accomplishing a 3.8K swim in open water in 2020.  In 2021, he successfully completed a 140.6 triathlon; his next goal is completing the Portland Bridge Swim held in the Willamette.

Emily is a Portland native, and although she knew how to doggy paddle her way across a pool, she didn’t learn to swim well until she was 38. With the help and support of friends she became comfortable swimming laps in a pool and a lover of swimming in lakes and rivers too! Already a "wannabe" runner and cyclist, the sport of triathlon was a natural next step, and that is how Emily connected with Morgan. 

The resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement spurred Emily to become a part of the solution to dismantle racism in aquatics. Through the dedication of a small group of local swimmers, triathletes and water lovers, the Black Swimming Initiative was born.