Having grown up in The Bronx in the 1970s, being outside in water meant a community or YMCA pool, the rare trips to the very crowded pool or the stream at sleepaway camp. Only much later was Dr. Ray Black introduced to Kayaking, through his girlfriend (now spouse) who had shared a kayak with her father on a trip to Antarctica. Ray learned in Half Moon Bay California and introduced it to his daughter. He offers to the board the understanding of the fear of the outdoors and rafting in particular (the movie that shall not be mentioned is my first reference) and overcoming it. As an avid cyclist, one who actively promotes outdoor activities in the mode of Vibe Tribe and Outdoor Afro, helped Diversity Whitewater fulfill its mission in its first year.