Congratulaing 1955 Crispus Attucks Mens Basketball Team

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to
the 1955 Crispus Attucks men's basketball team, the first all-African
American high school athletic team to win a championship, not only in
the great Hoosier State, but in the United States.

Although the school was initially constructed out of pressure to
segregate Indianapolis high schools, Crispus Attucks High School
quickly became a source of pride for the African American community in
Indianapolis and across the great Hoosier State.

However, despite its historic championship victory, the Crispus
Attucks High School basketball team did not receive the praise and
recognition traditionally bestowed upon previous State champions.
After its win, the team took the traditional ride on a fire truck
from Butler Fieldhouse to Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis, but
the team was not allowed to get off the truck at the Circle for the
traditional photo sessions. Instead, the fire truck took one more lap
and then headed back into the city's Black neighborhood.

Now, Mr. Speaker, 60 years later I stand along all Hoosiers to
recognize these men for their trailblazing efforts in bringing our city
together through high school sports. Their win was a major first step
for African American athletes across our country, breaking the barriers
of segregation and setting the stage for the diversity that we see
today.

Mr. Speaker, today I am joining my colleague in the Senate, Senator
Joe Donnelly, to give these men the recognition they deserve. It is
long overdue, but I hope it helps to bring some attention to their
amazing accomplishments.

I ask that my colleagues join us today in recognizing the 1955
Crispus Attucks men's basketball team and thank them for bringing
tremendous pride to the citizens of Indianapolis and to people of all
races across our great country.

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