By Sen. Cory V. McCray
Special to the AFRO
Throughout my life, I have often paused to consider how I can impact the future for others. This reflection is one of the reasons I became a public servant, starting as a delegate in the House and subsequently being elected to the Maryland Senate to represent the 45th Legislative District. Building on a legacy and helping others to do the same has been a guiding principle for me in this role.
One example of a commitment to legacy is a learn-to-swim program that began as a three-month initiative by a Baltimore City physical education teacher in his backyard pool in the Windsor Mill community of Baltimore County. Today, this program has blossomed into a life-changing force, credited for teaching nearly 20,000 people—primarily from the Black and Brown community—how to swim. This program showcases the profound impact of dedicated community service.
Earlier this year, a mutual friend introduced me to Marvin Thorpe Jr., a man whose faith in God, passion for his community, and dedication to building on his father’s legacy are inspiring. Mr. Thorpe owns and operates the 4M Swim Club. His father, Marvin Thorpe Sr., started this legacy in 1972, and Mr. Thorpe has been carrying the torch with remarkable zeal since his father’s passing in 2004.
What struck me about Mr. Thorpe was his unwavering drive to expand on the legacy. This summer marks a significant milestone for him: it is the first summer that he won’t be operating from the backyard pool in Windsor Mill. Instead, he has chosen to rent out the pools at Forest Park High School and LifeBridge Health and Fitness. The expansion was necessary to accommodate not only his learn-to-swim programs for adults and children but also the USA Youth Swim Team and a U.S. Masters Adult Team that he developed.
In the more than 50-year history of 4M Swim, Mr. Thorpe has tirelessly worked to increase the interest, urgency, and visibility of swimming within the Black and Brown community. He shared a staggering statistic with me: 64 percent of people of color cannot swim. He believes that several factors are to blame for this number, such as a lack of accessibility and visibility of swimming opportunities for these communities.
As a public servant and a community advocate, I found Mr. Thorpe’s mission deeply compelling. His efforts highlight the importance of community-driven initiatives in addressing disparities and building a brighter future for all. During this most recent 90-day legislative session, we managed to secure nearly $8 million in capital investments to fund more than 20 projects and initiatives in Maryland’s 45th Legislative District, covering parts of east and northeast Baltimore. Over the last few years, we have secured millions in funding for cultural landmarks such as the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, the Mack Lewis Gym and the new grocery store in Somerset.
It makes me proud to say that $750,000 went to Mr. Thorpe for the construction of a new health and wellness aquatic center in the 45th District, something his father, Marvin Sr., had dreamed of. This is only the start of what will include an indoor competitive swimming pool, a therapy/learn-to-swim pool, and other features to uplift and empower people in the community. Once built, the center will allow Mr. Thorpe to provide this life skill year-round to people in the community.
Programs like 4M Swim do more than teach a valuable skill; they open doors to new opportunities, foster community spirit, save lives, and most importantly, build on a legacy. In a world where we often focus on the negative, it’s important to celebrate and support the positive impacts made by individuals like Marvin Thorpe Jr. His work reminds us that with dedication and a clear vision, we can create lasting change and inspire future generations.
Senator Cory V. McCray represents Maryland’s 45th Legislative District, advocating for equitable policymaking, public safety and community development.
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