My novel and the Nile Swim Club have this in common – they were created because of the segregation of swimming pools.
It’s been a while (more on why in my next post!) but I’m back with a fun newsletter – a beautiful author visit, which was my first trip to Philly and my first solo trip in FIVE years!
I visited with the Nile Swim Club, the first Black swim club in the COUNTRY, to talk about my book, THE GIRL IN THE LAKE . This is my second novel, a middle grade horror story which talks about the segregation of swimming pools and how it affects Black swimmers even to this day. To talk about this book, in this capacity, with a club that addresses the very issue I based my book around, is a beautiful thing.
During THE FORGOTTEN GIRL tour, I was pregnant with my first child, my son, Bear. I had visited five states and I can’t even count how many schools and events, lol! It makes sense that my son loves airplanes now. But since, I haven’t traveled outside of driving distance for an author visit. And even then, usually, the whole family comes and we make a vacation out of it. So, for this to be my first author trip in five years that I actually had to get on an airplane for, and for it to be my first solo trip since becoming a mom, I had a lot of feels. Anxiety, even. My mom and mother-in-law suggested I relish in the fact that I could get some extra sleep. But it was hard to think about being states away from my boys.
Once I got to Philly, though, I decided to enjoy myself. It was my first time seeing the city and this was only a day trip. Being an author is all about experiences – you have to experience to be inspired. I went with the idea that I’d relax in the hotel all day and night until the event, but when Kathleen suggested we’d have dinner, I figured that be way more fun, and I was right!
Kathleen, from the Lightbulb Learning Center, organized the event and the collaboration with the Nile Swim Club.
When she picked me up and I saw that she had souvenirs from the Cowboy Carter tour in her car, I knew we’d be instant friends. It was so easy talking to her, like I’d known her for years! We drove through the city to this restaurant called AMINA’s which had amazing food! It’s funny – I thought I’d be eating a Philly cheesesteak as soon as we got there but I ordered a southern style picnic basket – LOL! It was just as delicious as it was cute.
Kathleen gave me a quick tour of the city – in true tourist fashion, I ran up the “Rocky Steps” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and took a photo in front of the LOVE sign. Let me say this – I’ve been to some cities where the vibes were immediately off for me, and Philly was not one of them. I know every city has its pros and cons, and they were just a few days off of their trash strike, but it’s something about knowing all of the history that the city holds and all of the amazing artists from there (Jill Scott, Boyz II Men, etc, etc etc!!!) and their amazing skyline that made the city feel so beautiful to me. It happened – I was inspired.
The next morning, I moseyed down to the first floor to grab a delicious latte and breakfast, and journaled and got my mind right for the day – a morning this slow and quiet is a rarity with two kids 5 and under, so I chose to relish in it for a bit!
It was time for the event. Like I stated, the Nile Swim Club is the first Black swim club in the country, formed after Black swimmers in the area were denied entry to public pools due to segregation. Affluent Black swimmers in the area pooled their money together to found the club, which is still running to this today.
The club and the members were so beautiful. It seems that there are so few places where Black people can just be free to be themselves, but this was definitely one of them. Huge, blue pools, people cooking out, a playgrounds, Black classics playing on the speakers, a concession stand serving their famed water ice and pretzels (more on that below!) and kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens, swimming in a pool that was a million feet deep (I’m exaggerating of course, but only barely!). If the club was here or I lived there, I could definitely see my family making a day of it every weekend, going early in the morning, in and out of the pool, having lunch, and letting the kids play while relaxing at one of the many tables and chairs there.
I loved how casual the actual event felt. I talked about my inspiration and writing journey thus far, reading straight from my journal instead of doing a presentation from my laptop, and read an excerpt of THE GIRL IN THE LAKE. I had a Q&A and the kids from the club were able to ask me whatever they wanted. Then, we had a signing where I got to talk to the kids, their parents, and other readers individually. My brother-in-law even drove up from Maryland to see me! I really felt the love and had an amazing time.
I tried Philly’s famous water ice. If you’re reading this and you’re from Philly, let me know if YOU think water ice is Italian ice? LOL! I think it’s across between that and sherbet. But one thing I know for sure is that it was sweet and delicious, especially on a hot summer day.
I had a great time at the event, and in Philly, and would love to go back. Thank you again to Lightbulb Learning Center, Nile Swim Club, and the children of Philly and Yeadon, PA for having me. I would love to come back and bring my family, to show them how beautiful the city and the club are!
If you’re reading this and would like to have me speak at your school or event, please reach out to my speaking agent, here!
