Creative Approach /Beyond The Water
Summer 2024
Explore the rich history of Howard University, the only historically Black college or university (HBCU) with a Division One swim program. The Howard University swim team is breaking barriers and making waves, using its platform to inspire and motivate individuals within the Black community to pursue swimming—both as a competitive sport and as a vital life skill for safety. Established in 1927, this trailblazing team has navigated through the challenges of segregation and various societal obstacles designed to deter Black individuals from engaging in the sport of swimming. Discover how the varsity swimming and diving team at Howard is not only maintaining its remarkable legacy in the pool but also fostering a culture of empowerment and excellence that resonates well beyond the water.
Nic Ashew, Director and Head Coach of the Howard University Swim and Dive program—the only Division I swim and dive program at a historically Black college or university (HBCU)—discusses why Black communities have historically had a negative relationship with water. He explains how the legacies of slavery and Jim Crow laws have restricted access to waterways and recreational pools. Despite this history of discrimination, there is a growing effort to change these narratives.
Swimming is an essential life skill with substantial health benefits. Additionally, being able to swim can lead to college scholarship opportunities and various career options.ies.
The objective of the short film Beyond The Water was to gain a better understanding of Black people’s relationship with water.
The goal is to dispel myths about black people and swimming, while also encouraging more black people to learn how to swim.
As the producer, Torrance was responsible for developing the concept, which included finding talent, securing locations, conducting pre-interviews, researching historical moments, assembling a crew, creating schedules, and managing the overall project. Click the link below to see the production plan for this project.
This project was on a super tight schedule. We had to book interviews, research images, and plan logistics in under a week.
Fortunately for us, we have an amazing relationship with the folks at Howard University and Moorland-Spingarn. We were able to speak with their staff and acquire rare images of the HU swim team.
What a day! It rained the entire time we were on location filming this project. The heavy downpour made it difficult to load in the equipment, and filming around the pool kept the team from staying dry. Despite the challenges, we had an amazing time filming the Howard Swim Team. Nic allowed our producer, Torrance, to play the role of coach for the day. At one point, in the rain, the team pushed production carts across “the yard” to reach the founders’ library. Once there, the staff at Moorland-Spingarn were superb and shared a wealth of information with us. The best part was that the rain stopped just before we began loading out!
Future Steps: We aim to share this project with more people online.
