Every year thousands of middle and high school students participate in the National History Day competition. Four middle school students from Creative Learning Academy in Pensacola, Florida have advanced to their district competition by researching and highlighting the pioneering work of Diving With a Purpose. The 4 young men, Rohan Chavan, Emerson Gunther, Tré Robbins, and Gabe Steiner, were inspired to pursue their topic after hearing their parents discuss the discovery of the Clotilda in nearby Mobile, Alabama.

They began their research by visiting with the descendants of the Clotilda in Plateau (Africatown), Alabama. After speaking with Derek Tucker, Pastor of the Union Missionary Baptist Church of Plateau, the boys quickly coalesced around a theme: Healing the World Ship by Ship: Pioneers with a Purpose. In light of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ controversial Stop W.O.K.E. Act, the topic selection was both controversial and important. However, student Tré Robbins, understands the necessity and importance of learning difficult history – he is Emmett Till’s cousin. Therefore, the boys were undeterred by the possibility of disqualification on the basis of content and began the arduous task of researching Diving With a Purpose, The Atlantic Slave Trade, and maritime archeology.

Throughout the experiences, the team sought as many first hand accounts as possible. To that end, they interviewed Ken Stewart and Kamau Sadiki of Diving with a Purpose. They were inspired and emboldened to tell the true story of Oluae Kossola Lewis and the Clotilda. They were especially moved by Mr. Sadiki’s Prayer to the Ancestors Upon the First Dive on the Clotilda. Their teacher, Amanda Dixon, says of their project, “It is inspiring to see young students take on the meaningful and important task of telling the story of Diving with a Purpose through the exploration of the Clotilda. Their work shows their passion not only for historical research but also for this topic. Many who have viewed their project have already been overwhelmed by their potent storytelling.”

When asked about the experience, the boys said, “We did not undertake this project for the prize or the recognition. We did it to spread awareness about the horrid things people experienced because of the Transatlantic Slave Trade – the voices have been silent too long.”

The young men won the district competition and will be representing Escambia County at the state competition in late February 2023
They also won:
1. Daughters of the American Revolution – Excellence in History
2. Omega Foundation – African American Heritage Award

Ordinary young people doing extraordinary things
The problems we face will not be resolved by the minds that created them