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Exhibition Highlights The exhibition presents the many faces of Mami Wata—who is frequently portrayed as a mermaid, snake charmer or a combination of both—as well as other African water spirits.

The legend of the mermaid in Europe merged with these water spirits in Africa of the time because there was increasing contact between the continents.

In the same state where a Republican governor wants to whitewash history, a Black mermaid is reclaiming the water as an ancestral healing ground for African Americans.

Across the continent of Africa, mermaid-like water deities such as Yemaya and Mami Wata reflect the powerful connection between human communities and their environment.

Melanee Schneider, AKA Carrie Wata, teaches water safety rooted in Black history through her group Afro Mermaid.