Swimming in the Heart of Motown: How Detroit All Star Aquatics are revising a Black Swim Tradition

Crossing The Lane Lines

Detroit was once know as the Motor City and the birthplace of MoTown, but it was also home to one of the most thriving Black swim communities in the country, where great swim legends like Robert "Bucky" Johnson, and Clyde James plied their trade. Notable swim coaches like Carl Edwards and Clarance Gatliffe paced the decks, but like so many other rich Black swimming traditions racism, access, and lack of interest began to erode this mecca of aquatic excellence. But one man is changing that for the better. We'll speak to Coach Ja'Von Waters, Sr., head coach of the Detroit All Stars, and founder and director of Aqualyfe about Detroit's swimming past and its bright future.