From a Memphis lifeguard stand to the icy waters of Antarctica, Corhonda Dawson is diving deep — literally and figuratively — into a new legacy. This Occupational Therapist, mom, and Dive Master just became the first African-American woman to scuba dive on all seven continents, and she did it in just five months and 22 days.
This March, during Women’s History Month, Memphis proudly celebrates Dawson for redefining what it means to be a bold, adventurous Black woman from the South. And if you’re from the 901, you know we don’t wait around for change…we dive right in.
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How Did Corhonda Dawson Make History?
It all started at a place many longtime Memphians know: the Fairgrounds pool, where Dawson worked as a lifeguard. Fast forward a few decades, and she’s now exploring the deepest pool in the world at Dive Dubai 200 feet below the surface, celebrating her 51st birthday in peace, silence, and full scuba gear.
“There are no voices saying ‘I need this’ or ‘give me that.’ All you’re doing is flying nice and slow, listening to your heart rate,” she told WREG.
Her journey took her from coral reefs to polar waters and everywhere in between.
Why Is Her Accomplishment So Important?
Representation always matters, and when it comes to adventure, exploration, and high-intensity sports, Black women are still underrepresented. Dawson’s achievement as the first African-American woman to dive all 7 continents opens doors.
“For me, I just wanted to represent African-American females in a new narrative,” she said. “I’m trying to change someone’s mind, because just because you’ve been underexposed doesn’t mean you can’t do it.”
That message hits hard in Memphis, a city where opportunity often comes with obstacles. But Dawson is proof that the only limit is how far you’re willing to go, whether that’s across the ocean, or into the unknown.
🌍 Inspired by Corhonda? Share her story with the next young adventurer in your life.
How Does Memphis Shape Adventurers Like Corhonda?
Memphis is full of dreamers and doers. We’re raised to be resilient, to hustle, to imagine more for ourselves and our city. Even without oceans or mountains, Memphians find ways to expand their world.
Dawson’s story is Memphis through and through:
She started local (Fairgrounds pool).
She rose through grit and grind (years of training, travel, and bold moves).
She broke national ground (first African-American woman to dive all 7 continents).
And she’s bringing it all back home.
Whether you’re in Whitehaven, Orange Mound, South Memphis, or Cordova, Dawson’s message is clear: Start where you are, and go big.
Celebrate Women’s History Month the Memphis Way
Corhonda Dawson is living proof that women from the 901 can conquer anything. From lifeguarding in city pools to diving beneath polar ice, she’s reminding us that Memphis women are future-shapers.
Let’s honor that.
