There was a time in the United States when African-descended people were more likely to know how to swim than the European-descended. Today, the situation is reversed—with deadly consequences.
In this hybrid documentary feature in development, SURVIVAL FLOATING, filmmaker Tracy Heather Strain explores how African Americans became disconnected from their aquatic heritage in a personal meditation that also examines the challenges and opportunities of mid-20th century Black suburban life. #swimmingwhileblack
The swimming technique survival float allows someone to survive for a long period of time in a body of water. It is a situation of stress and hope. Survival floating is the essence of the African American experience.
