Jumping for Justice: The Pure Joy and Energy of Double Dutch Divas

Focused on building friendship and fitness through the sport of double dutch, the organization Double Dutch Divas is a luminary of joy, creating spaces for kids and families to heal and move together. Not only is it a youth enrichment initiative, but also a force for community, confidence, and connection.

Back2Besa host Besa Gordon recently celebrated the Double Dutch Divas on her show and threw it back to the times she jumped rope with them.

Led by CEO and founder Angie Mosley, Double Dutch Diva’s mission centers on cultivating joy and physical movement, offering a "return to childhood" where people cheer for each other’s successes both in and out of the sport. 

Coach Tameka Lamar noted that the organization specializes in building confidence in kids, encouraging them to break out of societal molds and be themselves first and foremost. Double Dutch Diva’s enrichment program adds an academic component, Mosley said, as an incentive that results in rising academic levels for kids involved. 

For volunteer Ella McRae, the organization's impact is simply summarized as "the pure joy and energy of what community can be."

Through partnerships with programs like King County’s Best Starts for Kids (BSK) and School’s Out Washington, Double Dutch Divas is able to reach children who might otherwise be excluded from sports with higher barriers and costs. Their activities, which include block parties, parades, and after-school programs, teach kids how to make mistakes with grace and not be afraid to try again. 

This mission of empowerment extends to their partnership with Bras for Girls, an organization dedicated to supporting young girls in sports. The two organizations recently collaborated for the Bras for Girls annual celebration, underscoring a shared goal to eliminate barriers that keep girls on the sidelines. 

Bras for Girls, which donates sports bras and breast development education, finds a powerhouse partner in the Divas. "Double Dutch Divas are amazing," Bras for Girls Executive Director Sarah Lesko said. "They bring the energy, they make sure that everyone feels welcome.” Together, they are creating inclusive, empowering spaces for the next generation.

This feature on the Double Dutch Divas is an example of Back2Besa’s commitment to seizing the narrative, reflecting the beauty and excellence of the Northwest’s Black community. The show helps ensure important grassroots efforts like Double Dutch Divas are seen and celebrated.

Learn more about Double Dutch Divas here. 

Catch Back2Besa every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on FOX 13+. Viewers can also stream episodes anytime on the FOX Local app.

Did you enjoy this blog post? Then consider donating to Converge and supporting our mission here.