ATLANTA (December 19, 2025) – Howard University swimming & diving program took part in the annual Diversity in Aquatics (DIA) HBCU Celebration. The three-day festival (Dec. 11-13) took place at local schools in Atlanta and the campus of Morehouse College.
 
In the 1980s, more than 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) had competitive swim teams or aquatics programs. Today, only one remains—Howard University, home to the nation's sole Division I HBCU swim program.
 
"I am always thrilled to comeback to this annual festival," said Howard Director of Swimming & Diving Nicholas Askew. "It brings together influential members of the aquatics community to raise awareness for water safety while celebrating and developing the next generation of aquatics in the HBCU community."
 
The weekend opened Thursday (Dec. 11) with the Tour of Champions, a DIA's signature community outreach initiative during the college football Celebration Bowl Week. The interactive series of school visits bring Olympic medalists, HBCU swimmers and community leaders directly to students.
 
Friday (Dec. 12), the Water Safety Festival is held at Morehouse College where DIA's hands-on community event is designed to raise awareness and teach life-saving water skills through immersive, in-water experiences.
 
That same day, the Development Swim Meet takes place for an inclusive entry point for emerging swimmers. It is an opportunity for youth, learn-to-swim participants and new athletes to experience the excitement of competitive swimming in a fun, supportive environment.
 
The festivities wrapped up Saturday (Dec. 13) with the HBCU Alumni Swim Meet, a spirited gathering of former collegiate swimmers, Olympians and community teams celebrating the legacy and culture of aquatics at HBCUs.
 
HBCU Alumni Swim Meet is a spirited gathering of former collegiate swimmers, Olympians, and community teams celebrating the legacy and culture of aquatics at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
 
The history of aquatics at HBCUs is a story of resilience, innovation and cultural pride. From the early 1900s through the civil rights era, HBCUs played a vital role in breaking barriers to water access—building pools, launching competitive swim teams and training generations of aquatic leaders when segregation excluded Black swimmers elsewhere.
 
On Jan. 14, HU returns to action versus Towson inside Burr Gym Pool.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com and/or www.diversityinaquatics.org.