West Philly champion rower runs only Black-owned and operated rowing club in America

ByMaureen Wellner and Lyndsey Teague WPVI logo
Monday, September 18, 2023
West Philly champion rower leading the way for women of color
West Philadelphia champion rower Brannon Johnson runs the only Black-owned, operated rowing club in America

WEST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- When West Philadelphia native Brannon Johnson started rowing competitively in high school, there weren't many people of color in the sport.

After her racing career took her around the world, she returned home to the Schuylkill river to try to change that.

Now, she runs the only Black-owned and operated rowing club in America and is leading the way for women of color in rowing.

6abc Photojournalists Maureen Wellner and Lyndsey Teague take us out on the water, where Johnson now teaches rowing out of her "Boathouse Without Walls."