Phillip Adejumo Via Twitter: Black People CAN And DO Swim

5x Nigerian swimming national record holder Phillip Adejumo took to Twitter in August 2019 to remind the sporting world that Africans and black people in general “CAN and DO swim.”

In an 11 part Twitter rant, the Yale graduate student and elite swimmer unraveled the stereotype that black people can’t swim.

Black people CAN and Do Swim

I've been hearing it since I started the sport. I'm "too muscular" or "too dense" to float. WHAT?! Name a single sport where the ability to hold muscle or general athleticism isn't prized? We need to get rid of this *racist* narrative 2/11 pic.twitter.com/FjaGH8ngbz
— Philip Adejumo (@Phil_Adejumo) August 10, 2019

Here’s the truth…

Here's the truth…the reason you don't see more black swimmers in the sport boils down to three things:
1. Resources
2. Segregation
3. Poverty

In order to develop swimmers, you NEED pools, which many African/African-American communities don't have access to 4/11
— Philip Adejumo (@Phil_Adejumo) August 10, 2019

Africans were prohibited from learning how to swim

During the Slave Trade, Africans were prohibited from learning how to swim. During the Jim Crow Era, acid was thrown and people were beaten for even getting near public aquatic facilities. Parents were telling their kids to stay clear of the water for GENERATIONS 6/11 pic.twitter.com/bQcmORMv9Z
— Philip Adejumo (@Phil_Adejumo) August 10, 2019

Now we’re suffering the consequences

The playing field is finally starting to level off. In recent years, we've made AMAZING progress. Incredible swimmers like @ritzyswim04 @swimone @CullenJones and @gilespsmith44 have PUT IN THE WORL and paved ways for black swimmers everywhere pic.twitter.com/ad9SfgrhGL
— Philip Adejumo (@Phil_Adejumo) August 10, 2019

How can we fix this?

Encourage your kids to take swim lessons and learn water safety! Swimming is an awesome opportunity for young kids to get college scholarships, especially if they start early. This is also an opportunity for athletes abroad looking to get a U.S. education!
— Philip Adejumo (@Phil_Adejumo) August 10, 2019

Support Black and African swimmers!

All-in-all, I'm proud of my teammates, proud of #Nigeria, and proud of #Africa. It's not always easy, but it has been an honor and blessing to represent Nigeria on the international stage. Looking forward to the All African Games!!! Let's GO 9ja pic.twitter.com/zoxSRx3NWm
— Philip Adejumo (@Phil_Adejumo) August 10, 2019

African swimming is on the rise and Africans In Sports is dedicated to helping spread the word. We are working with athletes like Phillip to share their stories in an effort to inspire young Africans to take to the pool.

If history has taught us anything is that Africans will always find a way to become champions.

Hopefully one of these pioneers of the pool can take home the gold in 2021.