Black HBCU Basketball Team Visits White House

Black HBCU Basketball Team Visits White House: After decades of waiting, a historic

moment unfolded at the White House as the Tennessee A&I Tigers, champions of Tennessee

Agricultural & Industrial State University, finally received recognition for their achievements in

men’s basketball. Despite winning three national championships during the Jim Crow era, these

Black athletes were never extended an invitation to the White House. However, that changed last

week when Vice President Kamala Harris welcomed members of the team for a long-overdue visit.

The journey to this momentous occasion began in 1957 when the Tennessee A&I Tigers made history

by becoming the first HBCU team to win a national championship. Their legacy only grew stronger as

they secured three consecutive national titles from 1957 to 1959. Yet, despite their remarkable success on the court, they were denied the opportunity to celebrate their victories at the highest level of government.

Black HBCU Basketball Team Visits White House: the ceremony

During a private ceremony at the White House, Vice President Harris honored the team,

acknowledging their pivotal role in breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.

She expressed gratitude for their contributions to the nation and emphasized the profound impact

of their accomplishments.

For George Finley and his teammates, the visit to the White House was a dream come true, more than six decades in the making. Finley described it as the greatest day of his life, surpassing even their championship victories. The team presented Vice President Harris with a custom jersey as a token of appreciation and received a tour of the historic presidential residence.

The road to this historic moment was marked by challenges and setbacks. The team faced adversity both on and off the court, including a bomb threat during their return trip home after winning the NAIA championship game in 1957. Additionally, it took decades for the Tigers to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a milestone finally achieved in 2019.

the support

The efforts to honor the Tennessee A&I Tigers received bipartisan support, culminating in a letter from Congressional Representative Gregory W. Meeks to President Biden, urging him to invite the surviving members of the team to the White House. This request was fulfilled, allowing the Tigers to finally receive the recognition they deserved.

As Vice President Harris eloquently stated, the Tennessee A&I Tigers not only excelled on the court but also fought against injustice off the court. Their journey serves as a testament to resilience, determination, and the enduring power of sport to effect positive change. For players like Barnett, whose achievements spanned beyond the basketball court, this moment of recognition is a fitting tribute to their lasting legacy.

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