The Africatown Swim to Scuba Program is a collaborative project aimed at empowering residents of Africatown to engage with underwater heritage through access to the water, specifically swimming and scuba diving proficiency. The Slave Wrecks Project collaborates with institutions like Diving With a Purpose, Africatown Heritage Preservation Foundation, and City of Mobile to provide training and resources to residents on accessing underwater sites and how to share these experiences with others. 

Between June and September 2025, SWP and its partners supported young residents of Africatown, Alabama, through introductory scuba work to open ocean dives. The Program began at a community pool in Africatown, where participants learned how to handle diving gear. By Labor Day weekend, six community members and instructors successfully completed open ocean dives in Biscayne Bay, Florida.  In the water, they encountered shipwrecks, and the challenges of diving in open water.

Read their reflections and learn about the transformative nature of this work: 
 

Nolan L. –My Weekend Scuba Diving in Miami

This past weekend in Miami was a life-changing experience that I will carry with me for years to come. At first, it seemed like I might not even make it on the trip due to unexpected challenges. I was sad at the thought of missing out on such a unique opportunity. However, both of my instructors stepped in with encouragement and guidance, ensuring that I would not only make the trip but also enjoy it to the fullest. Their dedication reminded me of the importance of persistence and the power of mentorship. Without their support, I might have given up before the adventure even began. 

When I finally arrived and prepared for my first real dive, I was filled with a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation. Slipping beneath the surface of the water felt like entering an entirely different world—one that I had only read about or seen in documentaries. Suddenly, I was face-to-face with the beauty and mystery of the ocean. I watched as schools of fish swam effortlessly around me, and I was awestruck when I encountered both a nurse shark and a stingray during my dives. While some might feel fear in those moments, I felt an overwhelming sense of respect and wonder. These creatures reminded me that the ocean is not just a playground but a delicate ecosystem where every species plays an important role. 

The diving itself was only part of what made the weekend unforgettable. I had the opportunity to connect with fellow divers, some of whom were also experiencing their first open-water dive. It was reassuring to see that we shared the same mix of nervousness and excitement, and those shared feelings quickly created a sense of camaraderie. I also gained a deep respect for the dive crew. The weather turned harsh at times, making the process of boarding and leaving the boat more difficult. Yet, the crew’s professionalism and calm leadership ensured that we remained safe throughout the trip. Watching them work reminded me of how essential teamwork, preparation, and trust are in the diving community. 

Another highlight of the trip was my introduction to the world of underwater archaeology. Visiting the memorial site offered a sobering yet enlightening perspective on how the ocean holds not just natural wonders but also human history. Ms. Gabrielle, one of my instructors, gave a detailed presentation on her work, which included identifying different parts of shipwrecks and explaining how they contribute to our understanding of the past. Her passion for her field was contagious. She emphasized that underwater archaeology is not just about studying artifacts—it is about honoring the stories and lives connected to them. Her words opened my eyes to the role divers can play in preserving history, and I left with a deeper appreciation for how the ocean connects us to our shared human heritage. 

Equally inspiring was my conversation with Mr. Jay, the other instructor. He shared his involvement with Diving With A Purpose and the Slave Wreck Project, both of which are initiatives that combine diving with cultural and historical research. Listening to him describe his experiences was profoundly moving. He explained how diving can be a tool for uncovering stories that have been lost to time, particularly those related to the transatlantic slave trade. His work demonstrated how diving is not only an adventurous sport but also a way of contributing to meaningful historical research and education. This conversation not only gave me excellent material for my class but also deepened my respect for Mr. Jay and his reputation within the diving community. His words left me motivated to think about how I, too, could one day use diving to contribute to something greater than myself. 

Throughout the trip, I felt welcomed and supported by everyone around me. From the dedicated dive crew to my fellow divers, there was a constant sense of community and encouragement. I never once felt like an outsider, even though I was a beginner. Instead, I felt like part of a larger family united by a love for exploration and discovery. This sense of belonging made the experience even more powerful. 

In reflecting on this weekend, I realize that it was much more than just a diving trip. It was a moment of growth, inspiration, and discovery. I learned firsthand how challenging yet rewarding diving can be, I gained a greater understanding of the importance of underwater archaeology, and I connected with mentors whose work is truly inspiring. Most importantly, I left Miami with a new sense of direction. I am determined to continue advancing in my diving career, and I want to share this journey with as many people as possible. I believe that diving has the power to transform lives, just as it transformed mine this past weekend, and I want others to experience the wonder, history, and community that come with exploring the ocean. 

This trip reinforced my belief that the ocean is not just a destination but also a teacher. Every dive offers new lessons—whether it is about marine life, history, teamwork, or myself. I cannot wait for my next opportunity to get back in the water and continue building on this unforgettable foundation

Bethany G.

This dive means a great deal to me. As a lifeguard for the City of Mobile I saw the Africatown Swim to Scuba program get started and I eagerly wanted to participate. The swimming aspect I was familiar with, but the scuba diving and utilizing the equipment were a different aspect of the training and experience I was used to. This scuba diving experince has taught me that skills build upon each other. As a In the timespan of us being here in Miami we have been on a total of 8 dives. In those 8 dives I have learned that not all dives are the same and the only that things can change very quickly and to always stick with your buddy and remember your training, I have seen a lot of things on these dives that have made me very grateful that I came with the people that I came with and that u always have to listen to your captain because if not it will put you in danger. During over dives on the first day there was three guys who did not listen to the captain and got stranded out in the water and we had to go get them, also on our first day diving I learned to not push myself and listen to my body and to not force myself to do a dive when I’m not feeling well and that I can always not dive for any reason and not be judged. I also have learned that the things that you see on tv about these animals are necessarily true and u can’t always believe that and that you always have to watch your surroundings in the water and to never go with anyone who doesn’t know what they are doing, so all together all of this has taught me a lot and have given me a great experience and that not all people get a chance to do this and to take advantage of it and when there’s a problem to speak up and ask questions.

So overall this has meant a lot to me and I can’t wait to continue to do this and to get more certifications from this. This has helped me grow in many different ways in the aspect of my swimming and diving and also opportunities. When we first started the program I was nervous and messing up and didn’t think I was going to get the certification but the more we got into it the more comfortable and confident became. Now we are in Key Biscayne and are doing 4 dives a day. This has grown my swimming skills by pushing my stamina and the way I look at the ocean. If a friend or family member were to ask me about the program I would have a lot of good things to say, the first thing I would tell them about is the opportunities and how not many black people do this and this is a great opportunity. Next I would tell and talk to them about how when you go to watch this stuff and tv it’s not always correct and those tv shows are animated and that the things don’t look like that in real life and how you have to be careful and protect the animals. Lastly I would talk to them about the recs and the memorials and how you have to keep them safe and to protect them because they have a lot of history behind them. With all of this being said this is why I would recommend to people and how I have grown and what these dives mean to me. 

Chl’oe M –My Scuba Diving Adventure

When people ask me about the best day of my life so far, I don’t even have to think. It was the day I went scuba diving. Not just swimming in the pool or snorkeling at the beach, but real scuba diving with a tank, mask, fins, and everything. It was like stepping into another world, a world that is alive and full of creatures I had only seen in books. That dive meant everything to me. It wasn’t just about seeing cool fish. It was about learning, adventure, and feeling like I was part of something bigger than myself. 

At first, when I put on the scuba gear, I was nervous. The tank felt heavy on my back, and I worried I wouldn’t be able to breathe underwater. But once I took my first breath under the surface, I felt amazed. The sound of bubbles came out of my regulator, and it made me laugh inside my mask. It was like having a secret superpower—breathing underwater like a mermaid or superhero! 

The deeper I went, the more animals I saw. If my friends asked me what I saw, I would start with the puffer fish. I had seen pictures before, but seeing one in real life was so different. At first, it wasn’t puffed up. It was just floating slowly, with its little fins moving really fast. When it noticed me, it paused, and I could see its round body and big eyes. I wanted to touch it, but I remembered the rule: you don’t touch animals when you’re diving. Just watching it up close was enough to make me feel lucky. 

Next, I saw a trumpet fish. It looked so long and skinny, like a stick floating in the water. I almost didn’t see it at first because it blended in with the coral. The trumpet fish just hovered near the reef, almost like it was pretending to be part of it. I thought that was so smart—hiding in plain sight! 

Then I saw the stingrays. They were huge, way bigger than I expected. The stingrays moved like they were flying, their wide fins gliding back and forth. They didn’t seem scared of me at all. They just floated over the sand, calm and peaceful. I had read that stingrays can be dangerous if you step on them, but watching them made me realize they are gentle if you respect their space. 

 The scariest but also coolest thing I saw was a barracuda. It was long and silver with teeth that looked sharp, like little knives. It didn’t swim away. It just stayed there, staring at me. My heart was beating fast because I knew barracudas could be dangerous, but at the same time, it didn’t do anything except watch. That moment made me realize how wild and powerful the ocean is. Not everything is soft and friendly, but that’s what makes it so real. 

After a while, it was time to go back up. Climbing back onto the boat, I felt proud. I had really done it. I had been underwater, breathing from a tank, and seeing animals I had only dreamed about. 

But my adventure didn’t stop there. While I was on the boat, something incredible happened. The sky started to darken, and clouds moved in quickly. The wind picked up, and the waves grew taller. The boat began rocking up and down, side to side, like it was dancing on the waves. I wasn’t scared exactly, but it felt like being in a movie. The dive leader told us a storm was coming, and I could see it rolling across the horizon. The swells were so high that sometimes I couldn’t see the land at all. I held onto the railing tightly and felt the spray of the salty water on my face. 

Watching the storm from the boat made me feel small but also brave. The ocean was showing us its power, and I was there to see it. I thought about how explorers and sailors must have felt long ago, when they had to face storms without engines or modern equipment. It made me respect the sea even more. 

After the dive, I just could not stop talking about it. I told my parents every detail and then I told my friends too. I explained how the puffer fish looked like a balloon waiting to puff up, and how the trumpet fish blended into the reef like a magic trick. I described the stingrays gliding across the sand like magic carpets and the barracuda staring with its sharp teeth. I even told them about the storm, how the boat rocked so much it felt like a carnival ride. I must have told the story a hundred times, but I didn’t care because it was too exciting not to share.

That dive wasn’t just a fun day. It made me think about what I want to do in the future. I don’t just want to dive for fun, even though that would be great. I want to keep learning and exploring. I started reading about underwater archaeology, where people study shipwrecks and ancient objects at the bottom of the sea. Imagine finding something that has been hidden under water for hundreds of years! That would be the most amazing adventure, and scuba diving is the first step toward that dream. 

I also realized something important: the ocean needs to be protected. When I saw the coral reefs, some parts looked alive and colorful, but other parts looked broken or faded. That made me sad because reefs are homes for so many animals, like the puffer fish and trumpet fish I loved seeing. Pollution and people not being careful can hurt reefs. I don’t want to lose them. I want to spread awareness so people understand how special reefs are and why we have to save them. 

That’s why I want to invite my friends to dive with me again soon. They are already old enough to dive, and I know they would love it just like I do. If they could see what I saw, they would understand why the ocean is magical. It’s not the same as watching a video or looking at pictures. When you’re there, floating underwater, breathing from your tank, and watching animals swim all around you, it’s like nothing else in the world. 

So what did scuba diving mean to me? It meant learning, because I discovered so many new things about fish, reefs, and even storms. It meant adventure, because I tried something new and a little scary. It meant inspiration, because now I want to keep diving and maybe even study underwater archaeology. And it meant responsibility, because I know I have to help protect the ocean and its creatures. 

When I think about that dive, I feel proud, excited, and thankful. Proud that I was brave enough to do it. Excited for all the dives I will do in the future with my friends. And thankful for the amazing animals and the ocean itself for letting me visit, even just for a little while. This is just the beginning of my scuba diving journey, and I can’t wait to dive back in the big blue ocean.  

Israel M.

I would like to report on my recent participation with (DWP) Diving With A Purpose and explain what it means to me. I would like to convey how I will utilize the skills I learned. I would also like to expound on how I will promote this valuable program. 

The summer months of July, August, and September of 2025 were a monumental time for me. I began my journey as a member of the Africatown Swim to Scuba Program member.

My family and I have been involved in the Africatown Swim to Scuba Program organized by the National Association of Black Scuba Divers under the DWP Diving With A Purpose Initiative, and sponsored by the Smithsonian Institute. The program is centered around the nurture of cultural heritage. We dive with a purpose for investigation of Underwater Sites for the research and archaeology of Slave Ships, Submerged Fighter planes from the Tuskegee Airmen, and other cultural sites for memorial and/or posterity. 

I think it’s really cool that my family teaches other kids, and me too, how to swim and scuba dive. I swim for the City of Mobile Recreation, and I’ve been in meets where I won awards and even placed in some competitions. Recently, I got trained by NABS Scientific Divers, and now I’m a certified scuba diver! We just went on a trip to Miami, Florida, and I got to dive at Key Biscayne National Park. I saw coral reefs, an underwater memorial, and even a shipwreck! That was awesome. 

The program I’m in is about helping kids like me learn how to dive for underwater archaeology. That means we can study history under the water and explore cool places. It makes me excited because it helps me learn more about math, science, and biology, and maybe one day I can even have a job in the marine field. I really enjoyed helping other divers get on the boat by retrieving their fins and pulling them up. The dive master told me I was taking his job jokingly, and I laughed and said, “yup.” I was scared, though, when a storm came out of no where and we were called back to the boat. The waves were so high and the current was strong. I tried remaining calm, but I was really scared. 

 I am proud of my recent accomplishment. I plan to take my Scuba Certificate to school to show my teacher and request a show and tell of my Swim to Scuba journey. I will take my swim goggles, and some scuba equipment as well as video of our trip. 

In my future endeavors next summer. I intend to enroll in the Youth Education Summitt (YES) sponsored by NABS community engage and diving I hope to attend and further my trading education, and experience.

 I am fortunate to have participated in the program and excited for my future. 

Learn More about our work in Africatown by visiting our Africatown Location Page