Wade in the Water: A Journey into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture

Wade in the Water: A Film Screening and Discussion

Presented by the UC Santa Cruz Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in collaboration with Black Surf Santa Cruz and the NAACP Santa Cruz County Branch

Join us for an inspiring evening of storytelling and community as we screen Wade in the Water: A Journey into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture, a groundbreaking film written, directed, and produced by David Mesfin. This powerful documentary celebrates a thousand-year tradition of Black surfing across the globe, including here in Santa Cruz, while courageously confronting the painful legacies of racism and erasure.

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2025
• Location: Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
• Doors Open: 6:00 PM | Film Screening: 6:30 PM
• Parking: Public parking is available at 1117 Soquel Avenue or nearby street parking.
• Cost: This event is free and open to the public.

At 6:30, we will screen Wade in the Water, concluding with a discussion featuring Director David Mesfin, Executive Director of Black Surf Santa Cruz Esabella Bonner, and NAACP Santa Cruz County Branch President Elaine Johnson as moderator.

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Host or Publisher UC Santa Cruz Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion