Happy New Year!! I want to thank all of the NABS members that

attended the NABS Summit in Cozumel to make it a great success!!

The NABS summit committee did a terrific job in picking the hotel,

the location, and the amenities, and I applaud them for their efforts.

Hotel Cozumel was a wonderful host hotel. They greeted our

members with multiple banners that congratulated NABS on its 24th

Annual Summit, they even had a banner at the dock that wished all

the divers to have a good dive. It was also great that the hotel was

located near downtown, so our members were able to take leisurely

walks downtown to take advantage of the fine eateries, and do some

shopping. I even know of a few members who had the opportunity to

have a spa treatment during their stay. Lastly, it was a plus that the

hotel was all inclusive, which meant that the attendees could eat

sleep, drink, and dive to their hearts content. A few divers told me

that they loved that they had the ability to do three dives a day, what

more could one ask for. But this summit wasn’t just about the location or the diving, it was

about forging new friendships, and reconnecting with old friends.

I am most proud of, was the spirit of philanthropy that our members had. Member utilized their

time, resources to give back to the residents of Cozumel. NABS members donated over 20 set

of snorkeling gear with manuals. Our members created these manuals especial for non-

experienced swimmer and snorkelers.

Of note, I am pleased to say that the 2014 Summit selection committee had three 2nd year

attendees, and I might add that they did a wonderful job. These new committee members

added not only fresh blood, but also new ideas to the organization, and they added valuable

feedback on what they liked about the organization and its’ events. They even coordinated the

charitable events, and worked at the NABS apparel store. This is example of dedication, and

the spirit it takes to take this organization to a higher level. Upon reading Kay Ballard’s article

she captures the essence of what it is to have a “NABS experience” (That’s what I am talking

about!).

Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to invite all of you to NABS’ Silver Anniversary at

Ka’anapali Resort in Maui, Hawaii, on November 7th the 14th, 2015. It promises to be a great

time, with hula dancers, luaus, and authentic Hawaiian music (when “Al Your Pal” is not playing

his music). The summit will be a celebration for our members, so we set it up to give you the

opportunity to do lots of activities, like hiking, biking, surfing, snorkeling, or just diving. It is also

a time for you to reconnect, renew and forge new relationships not only with the organization,

but with the new members of NABS. I look forward to seeing you in November.

Mahalo (thank you in Hawaiian),

Jeffrey Dooley

2015 –2015 NABS President

President’s Message

Inside this issue:

Membership Update 2

Cozumel Summit

Recap

3

“A First Timer’s

Experience at the

NABS Summit”

4 - 5

Pictures from

Cozumel Summit

6 -7

NABS 2014 Award

Winners

8-9

Southern

SeaQuestrians’ Year

in Review

10

Scuba Diving

Grenada’s

Underwater

Sculpture Park

11

NABS YES

Highlights of

Upcoming Summit

in Virginia.

12-13

NABS Membership

Application

14

NABS Member

Photos

15

May 2015

National Association of Black Scuba Divers Spring Newsletter

Upcoming Events May 2015

Membership Update

New Members

David Baxter, TX

Donovan Brown, TX

David Brown, TX

Sanaa Cabralis, TX

Ronald Coleman, TX

Tony Curry, AK

Justine Dunham, PA

Jason Dunham, PA

Renewing Members

Rodolfo Abraham, NY

Alton Adams, GA

Sandra Adams-Byrd, DC

Eric Anders0n, NY

Tena Beard, TN

Alexis Braden, TN

Lisa Braden, TN

Yolanda Braden, TN

Melissandra Browning, GA

Ruthie Browning, MD

John Buchanan Jr., DC

Ruth Cauthen, VA

Arlene Cleveland, WA

Edinah Edwards, TN

Karen Edwards, TX

Renita Ellis, NC

Mayta Ewing-Simon, TX

Donna Goode, TX

Robert Gordon, MD

Addelaire Guy, MD

Emanuel Guy, MD

Isaiah Guy, MD

Malcolm Edwards, NC

Adrienne Emanuel, GA

Irene Emanuel, GA

Don Gordon, NJ

William Grazier III, PA

Dorian Hence, MI

Rushawn Henry, NY

Terri Jackson, CA

Zel Head, TX

Teresa Howard, TX

Rebecca Hunter, CA

Christine Jackson, CA

Dwayne Johnson, MD

Alani Ladd, MI

Jade Mayberry, TN

Vera Merrit, MD

Dean Nimock, FL

Edward Ragland, MD

Alton Rodgers Jr. , NY

Tanya Jefferson, DC

Azende Johnson, MD

Lysa Johnson, MD

Percy Jones, VA

Thomas Knight, AK

Angela Lamar, TN

Scarlet Lust-Edwards, NC

Willie Deollie Manning

Damani Simmonds, GA

Anita Simpson, TX

Devon Simpson, TX

Angelyn Thomas, CA

D’Jarius Thomas, GA

Barbara Tyler, MD

Terrel Williams, GA

Preston Williams, III, NJ

Winston Williams, GA

Nevada Winrow, MD

Roy Wynn, MD

James McIntyre, NY

Andrew Oliver, OH

Kaleea Richardson, OH

Brian Seabrooks, CA

Otavia Sithole, VA

Colette Stec, TX

Kudzi Victorino, Mozambique

Latisha Walcott, NY

Windy City Seals Annual Club Trip

Port of Calls Resort, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos July 11 - 18, 2015

Contact: Michele Dowdy at micheledowdy@yahoo.com

NABS 2015 Youth Educational Summit “Eastern Shores Experience”

Hampton University, Virginia June 21 - 27, 2015 More information to come

Page 2

Underwater Adventure Seekers 2015 Summer Trip

Melia Nassau Beach Hotel, Nassau, Bahamas July 25th—August 1st, 2015 Contact: Gaynelle at Henderson Travel (301) 650-5700 ext. 504

LABUE’s “Best of the Caribbean” Warm Water Vacation

Royal Caribbean International Cruise October 17th—24th, 2015 Contact: Randy Tillery at rtillery@aol.com

Cozumel Summit Recap By Kevin Dunham

WOW….

What a wonderful 24th Summit. From the welcome banner, to the very accommodating man-

agement at the hotel, to the dive shop putting aside extra personnel to assist us…. I can’t

speak highly enough of Dive Paradise and Hotel Cozumel & Resort. We had 100 attendees / 79

divers / 15 Aqua Corp / 8 days / 5 two tank AM dives/ 4 one tank PM dives….and only ONE…

one complaint. I call that a successful summit and I’ll take those results every day.

As you all know I am very passionate about NABS & have a vision for our growth and long

term success. We are a family of divers and non-divers alike. We hail from all over the world

and we get together once a year for a reunion. Seattle, Chi-town, Chocolate City, Hotlanta,

The Big Apple, Philly, Charm City B-More, Houston, Cincinnati, Virginia Beach, Charlotte, San

Fran, L.A., Joisey, Motown, Phoenix, Dallas, Denver, & Motor City all showed up and repre-

sented. I want to thank every single one of you personally for buying into what we’re trying to

do; you will see your local on a regular basis so it warmed my heart to see everybody from all

over the country not just enjoy diving together but eating/drinking/socializing even golfing. It

was refreshing to hear the stories of folk; meeting and learning they knew people in common

from the ‘old neighborhood’, making connections for when they visit boat members respec-

tive cities they now have a new “family” member to call on and have a meal/drink and fellow-

ship.

When doing the boat pairings you don’t know how it’s going to turn out, you roll the dice and hope for the best. The

feedback that I got was that everybody loved their boat…Red Boat the ‘party boat’, Yellow Boat the ‘beefcake’ boat, Blue

Boat – ‘beautiful, sexy boat’, Green boat told me they were the “serious” boat, thank God Barry Burns was there to keep

y’all smiling and laughing. Even the white boat found their groove and had good diving. Everybody saw ample marine life,

coral formations, had drift dives and swim throughs.

We even had non diver passengers go out one afternoon on the Red boat & I was a little concerned as it was getting dark

and they had not yet returned. Unbeknownst to them I was on the radio with the harbor master…where’s my damn

boat?!? “Tango, Tango (name of the red boat) donde estan?” They replied they were 5 minutes away. So as I’m anxiously

awaiting their arrival on the dock I look out on the horizon and see a boat approaching and swear it’s a rockin rhythmical-

ly like a low rider car on hydraulic shocks….then before I can make out the boat I HEAR, music, laughter and cackling. I

later learned the Browning sisters ( UAS) got it started and The Candy Man ( Windy City) kept it rolling. That boat came

to the dock with loud music and everyone dancing, laughing and having a good time. I’m on the dock worrying and they’re

out at sea partying. I guess what happens on the Red Boat stays on the Red Boat. If you don’t know ya better ask some-

body J.

Another thing that I am ever so proud of is all the community service activities NABS offered once again at this summit.

We raised money for charities, donated swim and snorkel gear to the youth, sat with the elderly and conducted a few lan-

guage classes. Honorably taking time out of our vacation to give back to the local community. I want to give a big shout

out to Karry Ballard (AVSC), Donna Goode ( Nubian Dive Club) and their crew of 2nd yr. attendees for spearheading the

community service and representing NABS in such a positive light. When I watched Karry’s presentation at the Awards

Banquet I was so inspired by a relative newbie’s involvement ( it’s her 2nd summit also) that I leaned over to Doc and

proudly proclaimed that NABS future looked bright and promising.

We’re one big, diverse, international family and I look forward to our annual reunion. With the Silver Anniversary coming

in 2015 I hope to see as many of you as possible. There’s a new and improved NABS afoot and I encourage each & every

one of you to come check us out. Come re-connect with old friends, make new ones…. I guarantee you’ll like what you

see and have a memorable experience.

Sincerely,

Kevin Dunham

NABS Safety Officer

May 2015 Page 3

Before I decided to attend the annual Summit I had begun making payments on trip to

Jamaica. Although it would be my 7th trip back, my sister Kathy Givens and cousin Mieko

Ballard were joining me on this trip; making it a true family affair. However, our plan

changed after a fellow AVSC club member encouraged me to attend the Summit in Roat-

an Honduras. He suggested that as new diver I would have an opportunity to work on

my diving skills in 85 degree weather with visibility up to 150ft. He also added that it

would be a lot of fun! A few days later I decided that I was going to Roatan yet, I wasn’t

sure how I would convince my family to follow. I simply asked my sister and cousin to

read the Summit information on the NAB website. Fortunately, the association provided

enough details to convince these non-divers that they would have a great time. Without

any hesitation we began paying for this trip and spent the next 6 months communicating

daily though we live in 3 different states, (Connecticut, California & Minnesota).

On November 9, 2013 the three of us were finally reunited and were bound for the NABS Summit. While we reminisced,

joked and laughed at the departure gate during our layover in Houston, the area soon began to fill with NABS members

from Detroit, LA, New Orleans, Houston, Memphis and Washington D.C. We introduced ourselves to each other in ways

that mirrored a fraternal order; one that understood the significance of being “Black and a Diver”. We hadn’t even stepped

off of US soil and in that moment, for me, the NABS Summit had begun. Finally, it was boarding time and we entered the

plane like young “kids” headed to sleep away camp. The energy on board was intense and we couldn’t get enough of each

other. Once the cabin doors closed some of us moved into the empty seats which allowed us to sit closer together. This

also may have prevented us from speaking over passengers headed elsewhere and uninterested in what led these Black

Folks to scuba diving. The conversations were flowing and before long we were landing in Honduras.

Inside the airport, we continued to meet new people while others reconnected with old friends. Despite the noticeable

heat outside we automatically gathered and patiently waited for our luggage. As we exited the airport the poverty in Roatan

was evident. In the midst of lush tropical plants, and water views, we passed shanty homes along the sides of the road and

trash seemed to be every where. It was disheartening to see, but as we journeyed away from the “city” on a two lane road

we saw green landscapes with farm animals, few houses and breathtaking water views. When the driver turned down a

small dirt road and crossed what felt like an unstable wooden bridge, we were on Fantasy Island; our home for the next 7

days. We were graciously welcomed as we stepped off the van and directed to a check in area under a welcome banner.

After checking in, we headed toward the farthest end of the property, and located our

bungalow. We were so exhausted, so we decided to take a short nap. Instead we slum-

bered for almost 5 hours, waking up just in time to catch the end of dinner. The nap

caused us to miss the opening remarks, and us first timers we should have been pre-

sent. But going forward at least one of us participated in every planned event offered.

Whether it was the Pirate Costume Party, the White Party, Karaoke Night, NABS

Night Out, or the after-after party where they DJ told us to go to bed because he had

played long enough; we tried to experience every bit of the Summit.

The day after our arrival I was scheduled to take a diving refresher course after breakfast. I became anxious during the meal

as I reminded myself that I hadn’t dived in over a year since I received my open water certification. Everything in me wanted

to back out, but I came here to improve my skills and I was determined to dive this plan. The leaders of the refresher

course briefly summarized almost everything we learned in our open water course. They were patient with our group that

consisted of mostly new divers who had difficulties in various areas.my assigned dive boat. I entered the boat holding all of

my gear in my hands because I forgot to bring my dive bag, (even though I remembered to pack a different bathing suit for

May 2015

A First Timers Experience at the NABS Summit By Karry Ballard

continued on next page

Page 4

each day!). I was intimidated, I struggled to equalize my ears but eventually made it down to 20ft.

where we continued to review. Their instructions were clear and they somehow maintained a

safe environment. I still wasn’t confident, but I persevered and tried again the next day. My anxie-

ties returned the following day as I approached the locker room and located by the other divers

on board who assembled their BCs to the tanks with ease. As I fumbled with my equipment, I

was quickly assisted by an Aqua Corp member, (who happened to be the president of AVSC),

who then paired me up with an experienced diver. It was still difficult for me to equalize my ears,

but eventually the pressure cleared and I began to develop more confidence. I could not have

asked for a more supportive environment. I felt protected by the Aqua Corps and my buddy div-

er who recognized my weaknesses, but challenged me to correct my mistakes. Though I still

needed more practice I was clearly a better diver by the end of the week.

Prior to coming to Roatan we were informed via the NABS newsletter about the community service opportunities that

would be available. Early on my family and I had decided that we would serve at least one project. The committee organiz-

ers posted signup sheets daily outside of the dining area for those who wanted to volunteer and each day they filled up

quickly. Though most of us were on vacation from work, we were willing to serve a needy community. The group that I

volunteered with had an opportunity to visit an orphanage called the “Greenfield Children’s Home” operated by the Sandy

Bay Lighthouse Ministries. The orphanage housed over 15 children ranging in ages

from 10 months to 16 years old, some placed there temporarily while others were

there indefinitely. Initially, the children were shy and seemed reluctant to meet us.

They eventually warmed up to us as we read from story books, talked with them

and played games in and out of the home. The orphanage’s staff seemed so grateful

for our visit, and it was wonderful feeling to be able serve individuals in need. My

sister and cousin also served food at a local soup kitchen supported by the church

attached. They were amazed by attitudes of the regular kitchen volunteers as well

as the gratitude of those who received a meal that day. We had never considered

volunteering during a vacation and soon asked how we could do more.

The one area not mentioned in the Summit Newsletter was the cultural aware-

ness we gained from visiting a Garifuna village in a remote area along the coast

called “Punta Gorda”. More than just a village, this community of African de-

scendants kindly opened up their homes to eight African American foreigners and

shared their rich history, dating back to the 1600’s on the island of St. Vincent,

through song and dance. Their oral history concludes that they were exiled to

Roatan in the 1700’s during the Carib Wars and n the midst of ethnic cleansing.

Thousands of Garifuna people including their leader, Joseph Chatoyer, lost their

lives during this voyage. Chatoyer is memorialized in a life size bronze stature

that sits on top of hill in the Punta Gorda section of Roatan. Today, the Garifuna

population is estimated around 600,000 in Central America, St. Vincent and the

Grenadines and in the United States. Earlier in the year I had an opportunity to

learn about the Garifuna people. But had I not attended the Summit, I might not

have ever experienced their culture on their land.

As the Summit came to an end we prepared to say good bye to our new found friends. Both my sister and cousin enjoyed

this experience immensely and are planning to attend this year’s Summit in Cozumel Mexico. The National Association of

Black Scuba Divers should be commended for hosting such an event and for being a professional organization that exempli-

fies excellence. It’s unfortunate that more African Americans are unaware of the organization’s existence. Hopefully, as each

member continues to share their stories and passion for scuba diving, the myth will be dispelled that “Black people don’t

Scuba Dive”.

Karry Ballard

2015 NABS Community Outreach Coordinator

May 2015 “A First Timers Experience at the NABS Summit” continued Page 5

May 2015 Page 6 NABS 2014 Summit in Cozumel, Mexico

Pictures by Gary McGee

May 2015 Page 7 NABS 2014 Summit in Cozumel, Mexico

Pictures by Gary McGee

May 2015 Page 8 NABS 2014 Awards and Recognition Recipients

NABS 2014 Diver of the Year

LEONARD SMALL - Cincinnati Underwater Explorers

Leonard is currently the Cincinnati Underwater Explorers (CUE) Club President. He collabo-rated with a fellow diver and the Midwest Regional Representative to re-establish the dormant CUE Club in 2014. Leonard began his sport diving activities with NAUI & PADI OW certification in 2011, NAUI Advanced OW certification in-2013, Nitrox Diver in 2013, and NAUI Rescue Diver in 2014. Leonard has over 120 dives, diving ~50-60 times per year. His goal is to complete 50-60 dives this year. He is at 50% of his goal and has 3-4 dive trips remaining in 2014. Leonard is a volunteer Manatee Diver at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens. To do this work requires certification in First Aid /CPR, demonstrating a variety of swimming and scuba skills and a written examination on Manatee physiology,

habits and lifestyle. He has logged over 66 hours of volunteer work in 2014.

For more info on Leonard Small go to: http://www.cincinnatidiving.com/

NABS 2014 International Diver of the Year

KUDZI VICTORINO - Bitonga Divers, Mozambique

Kudzi became the first female Mozambican PADI Open Water Instructor in the entire country. When Kudzi became a PADI Open Water Instructor, there only one other female African PADI Open Water Instructor in the entire continent of Africa. Kudzi primarily dives in Mozambique, in the coastal waters of the Indian Ocean. Kudzi has made over one thousand, eight hundred (1,800) dives since she became a PADI Open Water Scuba div-er in April 2011. As president the current of the Bitonga Divers, Kudzi continues to culti-vate relationships in the international dive community.

NABS 2014 Club of the Year

UNDERWATER ADVENTURE SEEKERS (UAS)

UAS is fifty-five (55) years old. The club is the largest and oldest African-American dive club in the world. In addition to being the founding club of NABS, UAS is the largest club in NABS. UAS has around one hundred (100) active members. We have forty-eight (48) NABS Life Members. We have the largest percentage of NABS members than any other club.

NABS 2015 Hall of Fame Recipient

Carlyn Cole - Underwater Adventure Seekers

Carlyn is a lifetime member of NABS. Her personal involvement and sacrifices are evi-dent by the numerous positions she has held and other activities she has participated in during her 20 years as a NABS member. Such a variety and length of service speaks to her commitment to the organization.

May 2015 Page 9 NABS 2014 Awards and Recognition Recipients continued

NABS 2014 Service to Diving Recipients

ANNETTE MEYERS - Nubian Dive Club

Annette Meyers has volunteered as a NABS Youth Educational Summit Committee mem-ber for the past 2 years. She serves as the Transportation Liaison. Annette has demonstrated a commitment that has exceeded all expectations. She was given a task which was skillfully executed to the end.

AMITY WOOD - Sea Lab Camp, California State University, Monterey Bay

Amity Wood, Director of Sea Camp Lab at California State University @Monterey Bay (CSUMB) was instrumental in the development, implementation and coordination of the 11th NABS/YES meeting in Monterey Bay California, June 22-28, 2014. Amity coordi-nated housing for the NABS/YES group during the week long adventure focusing on Ocean literacy as our group was challenged to Make our Oceans a Network of IAMITY WOOD - Sea Lab Camp, California State University, Monterey Bay

CHELSEA PRINDLE - NOAA, Monterey Bay

Chelsea Prindle is NOAA’s Education Specialist at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the Sanctuary Exploration Center. She shared a wealth of knowledge with both, NABS/YES youths and chaperones, during the 11th NABS/YES meeting in Monterey Bay, California, June 22-28, 2014. Chelsea’s educational background, per-sonal skills and desire to work and share her knowledge with NABSYES was instru-mental in making our program a success. Without her guidance and instructions, along CHELSEA PRINDLE - NOAA, Monterey Bay

DAVE CONLIN - National Park Service

Dr. David Conlin, Chief of the Submerged Resource Center, National Park Service (NPS), Denver Colorado, has been instrumental in supporting the Diving With a Pur-pose (DWP) and Youth Diving With a Purpose (YDWP) programs of the NABS Science Committee, chaired by Dr. Albert Jose Jones, for the past ten years. Dr. Conlin has committed his office to providing significant financial resources and NPS staff support to the DWP and YDWP programs. With the support of Dr. Conlin and NPS, the two programs have trained over 120 Underwater Archaeology Advocates and have inspired more than ten young adults to pursue marine related studies at the university level and diving related careers.

ERROL DUPLESSIS - Lake Rawlings Scuba Park

Errol Duplessis is the owner and CEO of lake Rawlings Scuba Park in Lake Rawlings, Virginia. Errol is a former Director of Aquatics at Hamp-ton University in Virginia. He is also a scuba instructor and the person responsible for starting the first scuba club at Hampton. Many of the stu-

dents he trained to dive were enrolled in the Universities Marine Science program. Dr. Archaeology Ad-vocates and have inspired more than ten young adults to pursue marine related studies at the university level and diving related careers.

May 2015

The Southern SeaQuestrians Inaugural Year in Review

The Southern SeaQuestrians (SSQ) is a unique diving or-

ganization in the Atlanta Area, devoted to the concepts of

dive education, dive safety, and dive fellowship. We were

organized in January of 2014 by 6 individuals who share a

passion for these concepts.

In February we experienced our first group outing by par-

ticipating in the 21st Annual Dive With The Manatees in

Crystal River, Florida. We enjoyed our first group dive at

Devil’s Den with members from DIVERse Orlando.

In March we enjoyed our first social outing by helping to

celebrate the birthday of DIVERse Orlando Club President

Erik Denson at a local Salsa restaurant in Atlanta. On

March 22 we held our Grand Opening and welcomed the diving world to the Southern SeaQuestrians!!

It was a great success. We met a number of people who would help form the foundation of our club.

In April we held our first official meeting and completed our first of 2 Youth

Discover Scubas. We introduced over 30 youths during those sessions to

the wonderful world of scuba diving. It was met with such energy and enthu-

siasm that we will have to expand the program next year.

In May, SSQ members went to Cocos Island and enjoyed diving with the

Hammerhead Sharks. We were asked to participate in a research project

aboard the dive boat with members of the Turtle Island Restoration Net-

work to tag and track sea turtles and hammerhead sharks as they migrated

from Cocos Island to the Galapagos. The research was published and is

helping to establish a marine sanctuary between the two islands.

The summer months were spent training divers by certifying three members as Open Water divers and

two others as Advanced/Nitrox divers. We helped to crossover a divemaster from one agency to anoth-

er. We even had a member become a Course Director. SSQ members also enjoyed some beautiful div-

ing in Barbados in July.

In November, we attended our first NABS Summit as a club. We were well received by the NABS family

and appreciate the support everyone has given us. Two SSQ members participated as Aqua Corps mem-

bers in an attempt to continue our focus on diver safety and education.

In December we welcomed our first full member after she completed her requirements for membership.

We are extremely proud of her commitment and desire to become a safe and prepared diver.

2014 has been a wonderfully successful year for the Southern SeaQuestrians. We are focused on ex-

panding the education and safety of the members in our club. We remain dedicated to exposing the next

generation of divers to the sport we love so much. We are loving the fellowship and bonding that we are

experiencing with divers who share our passion. Our membership is diverse and growing. We have 2

Instructors, 3 divemasters, a DAN Instructor, and a Course Director. Not too bad for a club in its first

year in existence.

Written by SSQ President, Mr. Anthony Ford

Page 10

Scuba Diving Grenada’s Underwater

Sculpture Park By Richard Rice, President Los Angeles Black Underwater Explorers

Members of the Los Angeles Black Underwater Explorers

(LABUE) dive club have enjoyed some amazing travel experiences,

with thrilling stories to tell, places to describe, and photographs

to share from more than 23 years of warm water dive vacations

and personal dive adventures. I recently shared such an experi-

ence with some of our LABUE & NABS members. November

2014, I was captain of a 44 ft. bareboat charter sailboat on an ex-

citing Water Babies Sailing Club (www.wbsc.org) voyage to the

Caribbean islands of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite St Vincent.

Joining me as my crew were LABUE members Symphorosa Wil-

liams, Tina Houston, LABUE Meetups Group member Paula

Weathersby, and former LABUE members Sylvia Williams and Bill

Nelson. The crews of the two sailboats in our flotilla enjoyed 9

days of sailing the beautiful clear waters of these islands enjoying

picturesque towns and settlements, and their friendly inhabitants.

Symphorosa was responsible for researching and arranging our

SCUBA diving activities during the trip and we enjoyed dive sites

on Grenada and Carriacou, featuring the usual tropical coral, wrecks, and colorful sea life. However, the highlight of the trip

was diving the underwater Sculpture Park in Grenada. The Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park was created in 2006 and is the

world’s first. It is located in Moliniere Bay, just north of the island’s capital of St. Georges. This location was chosen for the

sculpture park because its reef had sustained significant damage during Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The sculptures, spread over an

area 8,611 square feet, act as an artificial reef and have attracted an abundance of sea life helping to restore life to the hurri-

cane damaged reef. The gallery has been designated as a marine protected area and contains almost 70 sculptures from a varie-

ty of artists. All of the sculptures are situated at a maximum depth of 40 feet or

less, with many accessible to snorkelers. It is listed by National Geographic as one

of the top 25 “wonders of the world”.

We sailed north from St. Georges and anchored in Dragon Bay. We dinghyed

over to the adjacent to Moliniere Bay and entered the clear 82 degree water. We

began our descent to the bottom and slowly the spectacular and eerie figures be-

gan to appear. The best known is artist Jason deCaires Taylor’s “Vicissitudes”,

composed of a ring of 26 children created from life-casts of local children of di-

verse ethnic backgrounds. The sculptures are continuously transformed by

growth of corals, sponges, and algae symbolizing how children grow and adapt to

their environments throughout their lifetimes.

Taylor’s, “The Lost Correspondent”, features a man sitting at a desk examining newspaper clippings from the Cuban revolu-

tion. Local artist Troy Lewis’, “Christ of the Deep” was truly inspiring. This was one of the most unique and beautiful dive sites

we have ever experienced. You can take your own underwater video tour at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=Zmy0o7Zk4wg

Page 11 May 2015

The National Association of Black Scuba Divers HIGHLIGHTS OF UPCOMING YOUTH EDUCATIONAL SUMMIT

SCHEDULED TO BE JUNE 21-27, 2015

The NABS/YES experience seeks to stimulate participants interest by providing them opportu-

nities to fain knowledge outside of traditional classroom setting through fun-filled interactive

activities. NABS/YES makes a conscience effort to raise awareness of minority contributions by

familiarizing participants with the history, peoples and cultures of the region. The program fur-

ther seeks to remove the stigma if the nerdy scientist by introducing the participants to every-

day men and women, particularly young adults, pursuing degrees in STEM areas. Exposing mi-

nority youths to new opportunities, skills, concepts, cultures, and people who look like them

and are successfully pursuing non-traditional careers will only enhance their ability to “dream of

possibilities”.

The 2015 NABS/YES will be held in the Eastern Shores coastal area. The “Eastern Shore Expe-

rience” will bring together 30 youths to explore the environment, ecosystems, culture and con-

servation efforts in the eastern shore area. The intense week long (7 day) summer program

(June), a partnership between NOAA and NABS, will continue to introduce practical experiences and concepts learned

through the NABS/YES curriculum, students will gain an understanding of the world around them.

The official site of the 2015 NABS/YES meeting is proposed to be Hampton University, a historically black college located in

Hampton, VA. Hampton University provides participants the opportunity to interact with professionals in an environment

promoting academic excellence. Being housed at Hampton University provides endless opportunities for NABS/YES partici-

pants to walk in the shoes of academically successful minority students and faculty, and participate in learning experiences that

can define and change the world. The youth can engage in activities like test rockets, track balloons released into the atmos-

phere, operate remotely piloted aerial vehicles while learning about data instrumentation. These experiences will be support-

ed with information, data, and professionals that can answer the “what, when, where and how’s” of man’s space endeavors.

Each summit participant will be provided a notebook/binder at registration. These notebooks will be divided by each day of

the summit. Blank pages for note taking will be included. Before boarding the bus each morning, participants will receive a

daily Activity Sheet outlining the concepts and experiences they will interact with, the meaning of these concepts and their ap-

plications. Team captains are responsible for ensuring team members review and place the Activity sheet in their binders.

They are also responsible for their team’s understanding of the days’ content. Access to summit advisors and NASA and NO-

AA education coordinators will aid in facilitating this process.

Below is the tentative itinerary for the Youth Summit:

SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

Registration/Dorm Admission

Campus Tour

Welcome from NASA/NOAA Education Coordinators

Introduction to Youth Captains and Adult Advisors

Group Assignments/Selection of Team Names

Summits Expectations/Review Week’s Agenda

Fish ID

Group Projects Assignments

Voyage to Discovery Presentation

Page 12 May 2015

continued on next page

MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015 Community Service: Help Restore Oyster Reefs Visit US Navy Atlantic Fleet @Norfolk and the Professional Diving Unit

ROV’s Underwater/Outer Space Group presentations

TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2015 Mariner Museum & Park Tour Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island

Buoyancy and Microgravity Experiments Pool: Refresher and Discover Scuba Presentation

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 Bus Depart 6:30 AM to Kitty Hawk, Virginia (Breakfast on Bus) Wright Brothers Memorial/Birth of Flight

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge YDWP/Coral Restoration Presentation Groups work on Projects

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015 Bus Depart for Dive Shop DIVE DAY (TBD)

Snorkelers and Swimmers (TBD) Hampton University CREST Program Hampton/Langley Satellite Experiences

Groups work on Projects FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Bus Depart for Washington, DC Goddard Space Flight Center Tour of the Space Museum

Tour Washington DC Monuments Tour Howard University Tour NOAA

CLOSING BANQUET SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2015

BUS DEPART TO AIRPORT HOME

Page 13 May 2015 Summary of Upcoming NABS YES Summit continued

Page 14 May 2015

National Association of Black Scuba Divers, Inc.

Membership Application To insure that your application is accurately processed Please complete each section and print all information.

Section I: Contact Information ( Renewal Members check here if this is a new address.)

First Name: Last Name: NABS ID:

Address: Apt. No.:

City: State: Zip: Country:

Home Phone: Work Phone: Ext.:

E-mail Address:

Your NABS Correspondence Preference: Email USPS Mailing

Note: If you do not indicate your preference Email is the default.

Profession: Accounting/Finance Computer/IT Law Enforcement Retired Administration Finance Management Student Advertising Human Resources Medical Teacher Business Lawyer/Legal Military Other

How did you hear about NABS: Friend/Relative Website Trade Show (i.e. DEMA, BTS) Other

New Member Renewal

Year: _________

Section IV: Membership Dues (Dues cover a period from January 1 through December 31.)

$ 45 Full Membership (Certified Divers Only) $ 600 Lifetime Membership (Individual)

$ 30 Non-diver Membership $ 750 Lifetime Family Membership $ 65 Family Membership* $____ NABS Youth Educational Summit Donation

$ 20 Student membership (full time students only) $____ Science & Education Committee Donation

Please list below each family member to be covered under this application. Please note all correspondence will be directed to the name listed on the top of this application. Only certified divers are given voting rights. Divers 18 -22 must hold individual not family membership.

Name(s) Relationship Diver? If diver, Certification Level/Agency NABS ID

Relationship: SP=Spouse, CH=Child

Section II: Dive Information ( Non-Diver)

Current Certification Level: OW AOW RESCUE DIVEMASTER INSTR MSDT

Certifying Agency: PADI NAUI SSI YMCA PDIC Other: ______________

C-Card Number:

Type of Diver: Recreational Public Safety Technical

Number of Dives Logged:

0 1-50 51-99 100+

* Dive Insurance Carrier: DAN Other _______________

Expiration Date: _____/_____/_____

* NABS recommends that all divers carry dive insurance.

Section III: Club Information

Club Name: Position Held:

If you don’t belong to a local club, can we send your information to a club in your area: Yes No

I, ______________________, will support and promote the objectives of the National Association of Black Scuba Divers.

_________________________________________ _____/______/______ Signature

Select Payment Method: ( ) Check or Cash ( ) PayPal ( ) E-commerce - Make Checks payable to “NABS”

Return Application to: William Landers – NABS Treasurer, 887 Belle Ave, Teaneck, NJ 07666

Rebecca Hunter on cycling tour of Loire Valley, France

NABS Member Photos

NABS BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

Jeffrey Dooley

President@nabsdivers.org

Vice President Kamau Sadiki

Vicepresident@nabsdivers.org

Treasurer

William Landers

treasurer@nabsdivers.org

Recording Secretary

Dee Mingo

secretary@nabdivers.org

Corresponding Secretary Francine Whittington

correspond@nabsdivers.org

Safety Officer

Kevin Dunham safety@nabsdivers.org

Western Regional Rep

Rebecca Hunter

westrep@nabsdivers.org

Midwest Regional Rep

Donald Hudson

midwestrep@nabsdivers.org

Southern Regional Rep Jimi Mack

southernrep@nabsdivers.org

Northeast Regional Rep

Kim Walker

northeastrep@nabsdivers.org

COMMITTEES

2015 Summit Committee

Francine Whittington 2015Summit@nabsdivers.org

Marketing Committee

Zel Head

marketing@nabdivers.org

Youth Committee

JimiMack

youth@nabsdivers.org

Membership Committee Tyrie Bivings

membership@nabdivers.org

Aqua Corp Committee

Kevin Dunham

Safetyoficer@nabsdivers.org

Awards and Recognition

Jimmie Mack awards@nabsdivers.org

Nomination Committee

Gayle Patrick

nomination@nabdivers.org

Science & Ed. Committee

Dr. Jose Jones

Scienceandeduca-

tion@nabsdivers.org