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Diversity in Aquatics (DIA) is thrilled to announce the 2nd Annual HBCU Celebration Swim Meet and Water Safety Festival, set to captivate attendees during the Celebration Bowl weekend on December 15 and 16 at the esteemed Morehouse College Archer Hall Recreation Center, 830 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA. 

As the official outreach partner of the 2023 Cricket Celebration Bowl, Diversity In Aquatics (DIA) takes pride in spotlighting the historical significance of aquatic pioneers from HBCUs. Howard University, also playing in the 2023 Cricket Celebration Bowl, is the only HBCU with an NCAA Division I Swim and Dive Program after NCA&T ended its women’s only team in 2016. During the 1980s, there were approximately 20 HBCUs with college-level swim and dive programs.  

As part of Cricket Celebration Bowl Band and Football events, we are showcasing the rich legacy of aquatic pioneers from HBCUs like Atlanta’s own Andrew and Dr. Walter Young while enriching the narrative and inspiring the next generation of aquatic champions from our community,” said Dr. Miriam Lynch, DIA’s Executive Director. “We are thrilled to have sponsors Speedo, a global leader in swimwear, the American Red Cross, US Masters, and Warner Bros. Pictures, in association with the highly anticipated film, ‘Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom,’ join us to create an even more amazing, impactful event.”  

The festivities begin on Thursday, December 14th, with 2x Olympians Maritza McClendon and Cullen Jones and World Cup Champion Sabir Muhammed. Joined by CNN’s Stephanie Elam, this group of Water Safety Champions will stop at David T Howard and King Middle Schools, concluding at the Andrew and Walter Young YMCA at 5 PM. At each location, Water Safety Champions will delve into water safety, the HBCU Aquatic Legacy, and the exciting opportunities that unfold from learning how to swim. The Andrew and Walter Young YMCA will host a special viewing of the Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom film trailer. 

The Water Safety Day program on Friday, December 15, from 4:00-7:30 p.m., will feature engaging in and out-of-water activities for swimmers of all levels with a Developmental Swim Meet for new and experienced youth swimmers. Wade In the Water by Emmy Award Winner Cathleen Dean, sponsored by Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom, will be shown to all participants. The film vividly captures the 1960s Civil Rights protests that effectively eradicated segregation from the state’s beaches and swimming pools, specifically in South Florida. Aligned thematically with Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom, both storylines resonate with a powerful message of creating communities to create inclusive spaces for all.  

On Saturday, December 16, from 7:00 am to 10:30 am, dive into the HBCU Celebration Swim Meet, celebrating and uniting current HBCU students, alumni, and supporters. This meet marks a historic collaboration, bringing together HBCU swimmers together. Special Aquaman giveaways will be provided by Warner Bros Pictures. 

Link to Register – https://bit.ly/CelebrateHBCU  

All events throughout the weekend are open to students, alums, and the broader community, presenting an opportunity to make a lasting impact, bridge the gap in aquatic representation, and inspire a new generation of water enthusiasts and safety advocates.  We will host guests from the MEAC and SWAC football conferences to engage in aquatics throughout the weekend. Additional information is available at Diversity in Aquatics [https://bit.ly/Diversityinaquatics].