BKS' Aquatics Directory: Unifying the Community!

Introducing the Black Kids Swim Directory Project!

This trailblazing initiative is specifically designed to close the gaps within the Black aquatic community by centrally featuring Black-owned aquatics and aquatics-related businesses.

As part of our ongoing mission at BKS to enrich and empower Black swimming talent and leadership, this directory aims to serve as a lynchpin for connectivity, visibility, and support for a very rich but traditionally fragmented community.

Why a Directory?

BKS’ solemn commitment is to change Black people’s relationship with water, and as such, the BKS Directory acts an indispensable resource to do so.

BKS recognizes the urgent and overdue need for a comprehensive, cohesive  and centralized platform that not only lists but celebrates and supports Black-owned businesses within swimming and aquatics.

We believe in the transformative power of water and are dedicated to ensuring that Black children and their families have access to spaces where they can thrive, learn, and lead.

The Spirit of the Directory

Rooted in the ethos of the Adinkra Menso Wo Kenten, which translates to “I am not carrying your basket,” the BKS Black Swim Directory champions the profound principles of self-reliance, industry, and economic self-determination. This literal expression underscores an unwavering commitment to self-sufficiency and interdependence, principles that run parallel to BKS’s mission of empowering the Black community through aquatics.

It reflects Menso Wo Kenten’s call for individuals and communities to utilize their own resources and hard work to achieve economic empowerment and sustainable growth.

It is a statement of our commitment to fostering an environment where the Black aquatic community can flourish, driven by the spirit of interdependence that Menso Wo Kenten so powerfully symbolizes.

What’s the Directory’s Effect?

• Visibility for Small and Micro-Businesses: Many brilliant businesses lack the digital footprint needed to reach their full potential because of their size. This directory intends to provide a stable web presence, ensuring small and micro-businesses are seen and recognized.
• Unifying the Landscape: By centralizing information, we look to simplify the process for families and individuals seeking specific services, from swimming lessons to aquatic gear, all under one roof.
• Community Empowerment: With each listing, we affirm our support for Black entrepreneurs in the aquatics field, encouraging community members to support businesses that understand and celebrate their needs and identities.
• Sustainable Business Growth: A stable online presence is foundational for long-term success. The BKS Directory looks to foster an environment ripe for growth, collaboration, and innovation among Black-owned businesses.
• Strengthened Community Bonds: Beyond the pool, this initiative represents a step towards building a tighter-knit community. By highlighting and patronizing Black-owned businesses, we weave a stronger social fabric, bound by mutual support and shared goals.
• Generational Impact: Our directory is more than a list; it’s a legacy tool. By making swimming and aquatic activities more accessible, we are paving the way for future generations of confident, skilled swimmers and leaders with a global perspective.

A Centralized Resource for an Underserved Community

The BKS Directory serves as the first comprehensive offering of Black businesses within the aquatics market (that we know of) . This platform is more than an answer to a market need; it is a statement of empowerment, unity, and excellence.

By giving voice and visibility to Black-owned businesses, we aim to foster an inclusive and thriving ecosystem where every child and business can reach their highest potential.

Join us as we dive into the future, one listing at a time. Together, we can change the tide!