MAAKOS Alliance dba Black Swimmers Alliance

As parents, most who did not know how to swim ourselves, we aligned on the importance of water-safety within our families and community. After one season together, 5 of the teams' families could not ignore the lack of diversity, access and support our children received when competing and the history of African Americans and swimming that is still an epidemic. We quickly learned our children succeeding on this team was not enough to encourage the waves of change in the sport of swimming, here in St. Louis. 

We created The Black Swimmers Alliance. 

We break down barriers by introducing swimming to black youth, promoting water safety and fostering a love for healthy lifestyle through recreational and competitive aquatic activities!

We empower all young athletes to participate in the sport of swim and amaze themselves with their full potential! 

We cultivate strong, positive mental health through mentorship- encouraging strong personal relationships, team relationships and interpersonal relationships. 

We nurture future leaders by instilling the importance of education, integrity, resilience, advocacy and service. Inspiring athletes to become leaders in competition and in their communities. 

We are just getting started. Together now, let’ take deep breath, dive in, and swim forward. Empowering, inspiring and cultivating a legacy of African American-American swimmers.