"Stages of Freedom takes a plunge with its Swim Empowerment program"

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island nonprofit Stages of Freedom is helping empower inner-city youth of color by teaching them how to swim.

“It’s hard to raise money because a lot of people see swimming as fun,” said Ray Rickman, executive director of Stages of Freedom, speaking at the organization’s new museum, book shop, and event space at 10 Westminster St.

But for black Americans, swimming is not always viewed as a leisure activity, he said.

“The majority of people of color are afraid to swim,” Rickman said.