In 1948, defeated presidential candidate Strom Thurmond told cheering supporters that de-segregation would never happen. He promised that white Americans would never be forced to share their churches...or their swimming pools. Thurmond's remark is one example of an era when black Americans were kept out of public pools for a variety of stunningly racist reasons. One result is that a great many black Americans today can't swim, and don't.
The triumph of USA swimmer Simone Manuel at the Olympics has shined a light on our history, and points a way to a better future. Our panel discusses America in the pool, and how to bring more equality. Our guests:
- Marty Keating, Pittsford swim coach
- Iala Cropper, swimmer for Fairport Area Swim Team
- Andre Cropper, Iala Cropper's father
- Marci Callan, head coach and general manager for Fairport Swimming
- MJ Truex, director of programs and services for club development for USA Swimming
