We Are..
Evolutionary Aquatics (EA). We are a movement. We
are a U.S. Masters registered workout group. We are kayaking
members of the American Canoe Association. We are
certified instructors and coaches. We are a community.
Our Mission
Evolutionary Aquatics, located in Charlotte NC, reteaches Black adults their authentic and genetic aquatic culture. We educate everyone on the historical and societal “Blacks don’t swim” lies that have prevailed since the Jim Crow era.
We provide low to no-cost adult swim lessons and team practices, a strong Black-centered swim community, and recreational aquatic programming for everyone. We believe every adult should, at a minimum, know how to be safe and comfortable in the water, and at a maximum, learn to swim and utilize swimming as a self and generational life-saving skill.
Our Story
We started in 2014 as the Mahogany Mermaids, a social swim group that addressed the lack of swim and social aquatic programs aimed at mature Black women.
We saw the demand for our services and energy and, in 2018, joined US Masters Swimming. As a part of this organization, we earned our instructor and coaching level certifications. We also became a source of guidance for other Black-based clubs in the country.
To keep the momentum growing, Mahogany Mermaids partnered with Miller Swimming in applying for the 2020 US Masters Swimming Adult Learn to Swim grant. We won our full asking amount, which was matched more than 100% by the Charlotte, NC, swim community.
And from this grant and partnership, the nonprofit business Evolutionary Aquatics, was formed.
Since 2021, Evolutionary Aquatics has created an encouraging, inclusive, and diverse culture that permeates the recreational aquatic world. Aquatic activities are fun and collaborative. We firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their income, zip code, history, and culture, deserves the opportunity to participate in such activities and join a fulfilling community that simultaneously corrects historical inequalities.
