Meet Open Water's Ebony Iman Dallas

Open Water is one of this year's Shop for a Change businesses USRowing is highlighting through May. Open Water: Histories of AfroAquatics is a project that brings historians, artists, and community organizers together to share lost histories of BIPOC watersports and to empower young people to thrive in and on the water. Ebony Iman Dallas is the artist behind Open Water's puzzles

What has been your experience like as the artist on this historical project? 

Ebony Iman Dallas: Collaborating directly with historians, an Olympian, and amazing organizations working with the youth has provided me with a dynamic experience unlike any I have had so far. The subject matter of my work often deals with historical events and figures, however reading Dr. Dawson’s extraordinary book, Undercurrents of Power and the eye-opening research by Dr. Hebert helped me to imagine vivid scenes to share stories and bring them to life in a way that is accessible to children and adults alike. I have learned so much in the process and our team feels passionate about sharing this dynamic history with others.  

Why is it important for young people to engage with these puzzles and this history?

Ebony Iman Dallas: It is important that everyone sees themselves and feels welcome in all spaces. That includes pools and participating in water sports. By learning the deep, rich histories around Black people and water, stereotypes can’t help but be dispelled in the minds of those who once accepted them as true. 

Have you observed any changes in people’s perspectives or reactions while interacting with the puzzles? 

Ebony Iman Dallas: Absolutely! There is so much to “unlearn,” and that has been a major takeaway shared by those who have interacting with the puzzles. Many shared that they are familiar with the stereotype that “Black people don’t swim,” and were surprised to learn that over 1000 years ago along West African coastlines, toddlers learned to swim by wading on wooden boards tied to their legs as surfers do today. They are also shocked that families escaped enslavement by not only wading in the water, but as highly skilled swimmers - swimming away and navigating boats in the middle of the night. And not only that, many of the boats were built by them using techniques that originated in Africa! And we haven’t even gotten started on goddesses Mami Wata and Oshun who at times take the form of Black mermaids. Many are surprised to learn these stories.  

How do you hope this project will positively impact communities? 

Ebony Iman Dallas:I hope this project inspires confidence in those who did not believe they have a place in water sports or pools. I hope they are excited, and not fearful about giving them a try.  

What key insights have you gained while working on this project? 

Ebony Iman Dallas: There is so much history on AfroAquatics what I was not aware of. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from and work with our phenomenal team to help bring this important history to life in an accessible way.