How we work

Mahogany Mermaids® is defined as a mobile corporation. Our in-person events take place in different areas of the country as needed, while all of our resources are free and virtual. Our goal is to uplift and support students who have an interest in the aquatic sciences. Many students don't realize that it is an option to pursue a successful career by studying the Earth and its components. We provide informative programs and presentations at schools, aquariums, and fairs/festivals to educate and inform students, as well as assist educators in the community.

In 2026 we celebrate 10 years of curiosity running deep!!!

Upcoming Events

September 2026: stem Fairs from California to Virginia

12th - We will be back at Kits Cubed STEM Fair at Oakland Technical High School in Oakland, CA.

26th - We will be at the Community Health Fair with Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue in Virginia Beach, VA.

Come by our table at each event! Learn about the local marine life, and grab some goodies!

Check the events calendar for location and time details.

October 2026: Come visit us at FAMu!

We will be at the Blue Horizon Summit (BIMS Week) in Tallahassee, Florida! Come by our table and learn about the local marine life and grab some goodies! Check the events calendar for location and time details.

Some Highlights Over the Years

August 2026: Photocamp 2026

Photocamp is Back! We will be in Annapolis, MD, with High Schoolers from DC and Maryland alongside National Geographic photographers and explorers. We will explore local history and learn about the environment and life along the Chesapeake Bay.

March 2026: Prince georges area science fair

Mahogany Mermaids was invited to the Prince George’s Area Science Fair at Charles Herbert Flowers High School in Springdale, MD. On March 21st, join us at our table from 10 am - 3 pm for VR experiences, new underwater robot training, and giveaways.

February 2026: Black history month

Stay tuned for our Black History Month events, happening virtually and in person. Check us out. at the Virginia Aquarium on February 28th and hear from some of our mermaids on Instagram about their aquatic journeys as black ocean activists and scientists.

January 2026: Updating our virtual community

We have created our MerPod through Instagram and WhatsApp. Join our MermaidsinSTEM group for all ocean scientists and advocates, join our MermaidU for ages 18-25 for early career opportunities and advice, and look out for our ocean sprouts group for K-12 educators and parents.

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September 2025: Kits cubed stem fair

Mahogany Mermaids is back in California! We will be back at Kits Cubed STEM Fair at Oakland Technical High School in Oakland, CA. On September 13th, join us from 10 am - 3 pm at our table for VR experiences, coloring books, and giveaways.

August 2025: Photocamp 2025

National Geographic Photocamp is partnering with Mahogany Mermaids! We will be in the Tangier Sound off the coast of Maryland and Virginia. High Schoolers from DC and Maryland will learn from National Geographic photographers and explorers. We will explore local history and learn about the environment and life along the Chesapeake Bay.

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September 2024: Kits cubed stem fair

Mahogany Mermaids was invited to the Kits Cubed STEM Fair at Oakland Technical High School in Oakland, CA. On September 14th, join us from 10 am - 3 pm at our table for VR experiences, coloring book pages, and giveaways.

February 2024: African American festival

It's Black History Month! Mahogany Mermaids was invited to the Aquarium of the Pacific for the African American Festival in Burbank, CA. On February 24th and 25th, join us at our table from 9 am - 5 pm for resources, coloring book pages, and giveaways.

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May 2023: The Little Mermaid premiere

Mahogany Mermaids hosted a Little Mermaid Movie Premiere at National Geographic Headquarters in Washington DC. Alongside the Society Ubunto staff, we were able to provide drinks, snacks, and giveaways! Check out our gallery to see pictures!

March 2023: The Little Mermaid meets mahogany mermaids

Mahogany Mermaids was invited to help promote the Little Mermaid movie! We were able to talk about the oceans and meet Halle Bailey. Check out our features page for more!

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January 2022: Motivational Mondays (Mermaid edition)

All Mermaids need a little motivation sometimes. Check out our Instagram for our motivational Monday posts! We hope you are inspired to continue dreaming and growing!

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April 2021: Everyday mermaid

Sometimes we can’t be in the water 24/7. We can still learn and do different things to appreciate our waterways, though. All month long, follow our Instagram to learn how to be an everyday mermaid!

January 2021: student of the sea awardee

Congrats to Candace Mitchell for being the recipient of our Student of the Sea Award. Thank you to all who applied, and check out her feature on our homepage.

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2020: building a virtual community

After a shift in “normalcy”, we wanted to continue to support our members at a safe distance. We created a Mahogany Mermaids Slack Channel and expanded our virtual resources. Here, we want to highlight the talent of marine scientists and even build closer bonds in our #hbcumarinescientists, #marinescientistsofcolor, and #blackmarinescientists channels. 

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2018-2019: Mahogany Mermaids gets a new look

Our website looks a little different than what it looks like today! Take a look around and see what’s new! Don’t forget to follow our Instagram and learn about new trailblazers and facts in the marine science field

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Summer 2017:

summer 2017 was so successful we decided to continue posting MAhoganyMermaid members all year! introducing making a splash!

Submit a photo(s) to the email: aliyah.griffith@mahoganymermaids.org with a brief description of your summer research, course, or aquatic activities, etc. Hope to hear about your great adventures!

August 2017:

the one-year Anniversary of Mahoganymermaids!!

August 8th was our one year anniversary. We decided to search for a new look, new events, and even some new support to give to the community! We are building our brand to reach more students with our new links above labeled "Our Events", "Shop" and "Apply". Soon we will have a scholarship opportunity, a new upcoming events calendar and a new way for you to donate through the purchase of our new shirts and other merchandise.

FebRuary 4th 2017

A few of our Mermaids volunteered at a local event in Norfolk, VA educating children from ages 3 - 12 about science. They took part in representing elements of the land and sea to showcase the diversity of Marine and Environmental Science through the use of art/science projects. Good Job Ladies and Keep Swimming!!

December 27th 2016

MahoganyMermaids launched an Instagram page: @mahoganymermaids.

We will be posting inspiration quotes, upcoming events, STEM facts, uplifting comments, and more. Go follow us and join our enthusiastic school of fish!