History of the Black History Invitational Swim Meet
This unique event was co-founded in 1987 by the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and The United Black Fund, Inc. (UBF) in honor Black History Month. These two organizations have worked together every year since to produce the first swim meet in the nation to honor Black History Month.

The Invitational was founded with the goals of providing urban youth nationwide with a positive outlet for expression, exposure to strong competition, a forum to meet positive role models, and the opportunity to visit the nation's capital. Since the very first year, DPR and UBF are proud that the Black History Invitational Swim Meet has fulfilled these goals and has grown from a small, local competition to one now hailed by USA Swimming, the national governing body for the sport of swimming, as the "premier minority swim competition in the United States and in the World." The two-day annual event now attracts nearly 800 minority competitors, ages 5–18, from swim teams in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Detroit, Cleveland, New York and other metropolitan areas in the United States.

The 26th Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet will be held February 17 - 19, 2012, at the Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van Buren, St., NW.

Black History Invitational Swim Meet Honorees

Beginning in 1989, the Black History Invitational Swim Meet Steering Committee has chosen courageous and notable African Americans whose contributions are known throughout the world to be recognized during the weekend's events.

Black History Invitational Swim Meet Honorees