St. Philip’s 大学 Brings Back Swimming Lessons

照片来自1974年的St. 菲利普的大学 75th Anniversary Yearbook.

The historical significance of swimming lessons for St. Philip’s 大学 (SPC) dates back to Segregation, when it was one of the few places w在这里 African Americans had access to community pools. 威廉·艾伦·哈金斯, for whom the college health and wellness center is named, 教3,000 Black children from 圣安东尼奥’s Eastside how to swim.

During his hiring interview in 1949, 当时的总统, 艾鲍登, 告诉他, “总有一天, we’re going to have a swimming pool 在这里.”

哈金斯, 喜欢游泳的人, had grown up around the water, and this became a selling point for his employment at the college.

St. Philip’s 大学 Director of Institutional Advancement Dr. Sharon Crockett-Ray shared her experience as a ten-year-old taking swim lessons with 哈金斯.

“In 1969, my siblings and I used to walk to St. Philip’s 大学 in our swimwear carrying a towel and 75 cents our mom had given us to eat a hamburger and fries from the cafeteria. Coach 哈金斯 was a gentle giant, but he was serious about teaching us. I think he knew how important it was for us to learn how to swim. He even taught some kids how to be junior lifeguards,” said Crockett-Ray. 

Even today, differences in access to swimming lessons continue to be a barrier for African Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning death rates for Black Americans were 28% higher in 2021 than in 2019, and 63% of Black adults have never taken a swimming lesson. While Segregation and lack of access are no longer barriers, the legacy of each still impacts the community.  

今年夏天, swimming lessons will return to the college as part of the Kids’ Academy summer camps, in partnership with the YMCA. Lessons will be held on campus in the 威廉·艾伦·哈金斯 Health and Wellness Facility during the month of June and July.

To learn more about the Kids’ Academy and for a full schedule, click 在这里.

图片来源:Steven M. 祖尼加