Loading Events
  • This event has passed.

We Come from Mermaids I: African Diaspora and Water (Classroom)

November 8, 2023 @ 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Bartram’s Garden Barn

Led by Chandrika Francis of Oshun Swim School. Bartram’s Garden is partnering with Oshun Swim School this fall to offer a series of swimming and water-related workshops for Southwest Philadelphia residents.

This classroom-based workshop is an invitation to immerse yourself in the rich history of the African Diaspora and water!  Learn more about the ways our ancestors engaged with water for resistance and joy during slavery times and during the Middle Passage, as well as the multitude of rich aquatic traditions in pre-European Atlantic African cultures. Through games, conversation, readings, lectures, and meditation, we will tap into the joy, liberation, resistance, and wisdom that connect us to our ancestors.

Please note this workshop centers the Black experience but welcomes folks of all identities.

 

Pizza will be provided! If pizza doesn’t work for you due to dietary restrictions, reach out to or (215) 729-5281 x116 so we can accommodate your needs.

 

*COVID-19 Precautions: Class size limited to 15 students.  To increase access, students and instructors are required to be vaccinated, mask, or both. Free COVID rapid tests and two-trip SEPTA passes are available. Please arrive 15 early if you plan on utilizing a COVID test.

I'm interested in:

Biking & Walking

Birds

Boating & Fishing

Flowers, Plants & Trees

Gardening

History

Kids' Activities

Sankofa Community Farm

Southwest Philadelphia

Water Quality

Workshops, Wellness & Culture

Youth Internships

I'm interested in:

Biking & Walking

Stroll the Schuylkill River Trail or join us for biking!

Birds

Look up! More than 100 species of birds rely on this ecosystem.

Boating & Fishing

Enjoy all that the Tidal Schuylkill River has to offer.

Flowers, Plants & Trees

See what’s blooming, find a favorite tree, and stroll the gardens and natural lands.

Gardening

Bring the Garden home! Shop for plants or grow food, trees, and more.

History

Uncover the interconnected stories of this historic site.

Kids' Activities

Join us year-round to learn, make, share, and wonder.

Sankofa Community Farm

“Go back and get it!” Growing food sovereignty with an African Diaspora focus.

Southwest Philadelphia

Resources and opportunities especially for neighbors in Southwest Philly.

Water Quality

View our latest data on current river conditions.

Workshops, Wellness & Culture

Enjoy upcoming workshops, self-care, and events. Are you a Southwest artist? Let’s partner!

Youth Internships

Calling Southwest students: paid internships available with the river, the farm, and the trees.