Two young African-Americans, 3.5 miles of open water, 1 goal… to unite African-American and Senegalese people using the very waters that previously divided them.

The historic “Gorée Project” will follow the journey of two African-American swimmers as they prepare to travel to Senegal, West Africa, for a 3.5 mile open-water competitive swim and cultural connection. Our cultural-ambassadors will honor enslaved Africans by retracing the path of those that attempted to swim to freedom, often in chains and in shark-infested waters, by swimming alongside our Senegalese cousins from the shore of Dakar to the Island of Gorée.

The Gorée Project 2025 is an epic undertaking that bridges continents and cultures and seeks to unite African-American and Senegalese people through the very waters that once divided them.

Black Kids Swim’s “Swimbassadors” will not only participate in the Dakar-to-Goree race but also become historic cultural ambassadors. Their training will be shared in an engaging web series leading up to the race that will document their physical, mental and cultural preparation.

This project directly addresses the underrepresentation of Black people in international leadership and seeks to resolve the cultural disconnect between African-American and African communities.

BKS, a Maryland-based 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, uses swimming to develop dynamic and confident leaders with a global perspective. Its mission is to change the relationship between Black people and water.

Your contribution to The Gorée Project is crucial.

It supports the training of the Swimbassadors, the travel lodging and cultural experiences, the facilitation of the project and the creation of the web series. By donating, you help unite communities, honor the past and become a vital part of a movement for healing, unity and progress. This is your chance to make a global impact!

The project originally began in 2020, highlighted by an abbreviated web series. This series followed two former Howard University Swim Team Captains, Noah Nicholas and Skylar Smith. However, the 2020 race was canceled due to the global COVID pandemic. The race did not resume until 2023. This 2025 project is a continuation of that initial effort.

The Gorée Project’s mission is clear: To unite African-American and Senegalese people through swimming, to dispel barriers between Africans and African-Americans and to inspire unity and a stronger future through shared experiences. The project leverages the very waters that once divided these communities.

Your generous donation helps with several key components.

• Cross-discipline swim training for the Swimbassadors.
• Cultural education sessions.
• Leadership training.
• Collaboration with Senegalese scholars and athletic figures.

The Gorée Project will produce:

• A web series detailing the Swimbassadors’ journey.
• An establishment of an African-American leadership presence in Senegal.
• A post-event documentary capturing the essence of the Gorée Project. (stretch goal)

Your support is essential to make this project a success. You can:

• donate to the project directly,
• donate with donor-advised funds, or
• participate in our crowdfunding campaign.

The Gorée Project is a call to action, it is an invitation to unite.

This is your opportunity to participate in an historic moment. Your contribution to this project will help create ripples of change. You will be part of a movement that breaks down barriers and builds a legacy of unity and strength.

Brand sponsorships are available.

Brands can align with this mission and gain visibility on a global scale. This initiative is a chance to showcase your brand’s commitment to cultural exchange and diversity.

By supporting The Gorée Project 2025, you are joining a community invested in a vision. Your contribution will empower young leaders, help bridge communities and honor a shared heritage. It will move us all towards a more united and equitable future.