Blacks Can’t Swim: The Sequel is swimming home

Ed Accura, Producer of new documentary feature ‘Blacks Can’t Swim: The Sequel’ is excited to share the trailer, poster and release date for the first time. The film will be available from 10th May on all major digital download platforms.

The eye opening ‘Blacks Can’t Swim: The Sequel’ follows the success of Accura and director Mysterex’s first film last year that dove into reasons why 95% of black adults and 80% of black childen in England do not swim. The sequel combines acting and documentary style interviews with Black teens and adults in an attempt to action change from the ground up in local communities.

Layla and K-Frost are two Black teens from a south London council estate. After enrolling in a community program designed for young adults with disadvantaged backgrounds, they soon learn that they must face their ultimate fear, the water, to complete it. They find a mentor in Frank, a new swimmer who has recently overcome his own personal barriers. Fuelled by true testimonies, this deeply thought-provoking film tackles the age-old myth that Black people can’t swim head-on. It travels to the very root of this racial prejudice and begs the question of why?

Producer Accura is co-founder of the Black Swimming Association (BSA), which champions inclusivity, representation and diversity in aquatics. He says about the release, “There comes a point where this generational cycle has to be broken and that time is now. Yesterday, I watched the final movie for the first time with an audience and got the same tingling sensation of excitement that I had when I first thought of the idea two years ago. I honestly really can’t wait to share this with the world.”

Danielle Obe, Interim CEO for the BSA, said, “Blacks Can’t Swim: The Sequel” is an accurate representation of the barriers the Black community face when it comes to swimming, whether that stems from an inherited cultural belief, or simply not having the access, knowledge or confidence they need to get in the pool. It’s time we broke down those barriers, and the BSA is proud to be the first organisation of its kind to tackle this issue head on.

‘Blacks can’t swim’ is not just a racial stereotype. It denies communities an essential skill that could save someone’s life. Educate yourself by watching ‘Blacks Can’t Swim: The Sequel’ on Digital Download from 10th May.

About The Black Swimming Association

The Black Swimming Association (BSA) is the first non-profit organisation setup to highlight the importance of swimming as an essential and invaluable life skill; working in partnership with national governing bodies and aquatic organisations and charities to educate the Black community on Water Safety, Life-Saving and Drowning Prevention Measures and collaborate to make aquatics more accessible to the Black and Ethnic Minority communities by inspiring and facilitating participation and inclusion for all. This includes:

  • Amplifying the goal and raising the profile of having more representation of black professionals in the boardroom in sport.
  • Lobbying for the delivery of water safety and lifesaving skills on the national curriculum.
  • Lobbying for more Black representation across swim teaching and lifesaving professions.
  • Highlighting the benefits and life skills swimming provides to the Black community and how challenges can be overcome.