The Tennessee A&I Tigers men’s basketball team finally had their moment on Pennsylvania Avenue after more than 60 years. The team, now known as Tennessee State University, won the national championship in 1957 and went on to win three consecutive national titles from 1957-1959. Members of the team, who are now in their 80s, met with Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House, an experience they had been waiting decades for. This historic achievement was even more significant considering the challenges faced by Black college athletes during this era of segregation and the Civil Rights Movement.
Despite their historic wins, the Tennessee A&I Tigers were not immediately recognized for their achievements. It would take decades before the team was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Former NBA star Dick Barnett played a pivotal role in bringing attention to the team’s accomplishments through a public awareness campaign that culminated in a visit to the White House in 2019. The journey of the Tennessee A&I Tigers serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and preserving history to guide progress and strengthen the country.
During their meeting with Vice President Harris, the former players shared stories of the challenges they faced both on and off the court. The team had to overcome obstacles such as a bomb threat on their return trip from a championship game and participating in sit-ins to protest segregation policies. Despite these challenges, the players persevered and continued to tell their story in an active way, highlighting the importance of remembering past struggles to guide future progress. The visit to the White House was a culmination of their efforts to ensure their achievements were recognized and celebrated.
The experience of meeting with Vice President Harris at the White House was described as the greatest day of their lives by the former Tennessee A&I Tigers players. They presented Harris, who is an HBCU graduate herself, with a personalized jersey as a token of appreciation. The visit was a testament to the players’ perseverance and determination to ensure their place in history. As they reflected on their journey from winning national championships to being inducted into the Hall of Fame and finally visiting the White House, the players expressed gratitude for the recognition and validation of their accomplishments.
The journey of the Tennessee A&I Tigers serves as a powerful example of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Despite facing discrimination and challenges, the team’s success on the basketball court paved the way for future generations of Black college athletes. Their story is a reminder of the importance of preserving and honoring history, as well as the power of unity and solidarity in the pursuit of progress. The players’ visit to the White House represents a long-overdue recognition of their historic achievements and a celebration of their lasting legacy in college basketball history.
