WASHINGTON (October 20, 2020) – The Diversity in Aquatics (DIA) will host a webinar called Aquatic Programs at HBCUs: Past, Present, and Future, featuring guest speakers with aquatic Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) background and history, including Howard University Director of Swimming & Diving Nicholas Askew. The webinar takes place Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. (ET).
 
This webinar will discuss the importance of implementing aquatic programming at HBCUs and the potential that HBCUs have in truly addressing the significant disparities in the black community.
 
"This is a timely and exciting conversation that I am honored to be a part of," said Askew. "I have no doubt the content will be rich and the actions resulting should have a deep impact in aquatics in the black community."
 
The two-hour event highlights leading aquatics professionals in discussing the past, present, and future of aquatics programs at HBCUs.
 
The great panel includes:

• Dr. Newton Jackson, Full Professor in the College of Education and Human Services at The University of North Florida. Dr. Jackson has extensive experiences serving as a NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Swimming & Diving Head Coach and, at one point, as the only African-American Head Coach at the NCAA Division I level.
• Coach Nicholas Askew, HU Director of Swimming & Diving, the nation's only NCAA Division I HBCU Swimming & Diving team.
• Gia Wright, Former swimmer and coach of the North Carolina A&T State University (NCAT) swim team. Gia was awarded the Jean Freeman Scholarship to attend the Coastal Collegiate Sports Association Coaches Conference and initiated the process of "Save Aggie Swimming" to prevent the discontinuation of Women's Swimming at NCAT.
• Dr. Knolan Rawlins, Assistant Professor and Researcher at Delaware State University and Co-Chair of DIA HBCU/HSI Council.
• Dr. Asherah Allen, Assistant Professor and Researcher at North Carolina Central University, Co-Chair of DIA HBCU/HSI Council, Creator of Black Girl Swim Blog, Co-Host of The Swim Culture Podcast.

 
HBCUs have been a vital part of the black community in the United States and across the world, providing educational and professional opportunities for the community, along with enhancing their overall quality of life.
 
HBCUs have a rich history in aquatics, including learn-to-swim programs and competitive swimming, but over the years aquatics has been excluded from the HBCU experience.
 
HU begins their inaugural season in the Northeast Conference during the 2020-21 campaign.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com and/or visit the Diversity in Aquatics website at www.diversityinaquatics.org.