This spring, Converse will honor the 1954-55 Crispus Attucks High School Basketball team from Indianapolis as part of their “Breaking Down Barriers” collection.
This team, led by NBA Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson, was the first all-Black school to win a state championship in Indiana. At one time, the Flying Tigers were once the most dominant program in Indiana but aren’t as well recognized as the 1954 state championship-winning Milan High School team that was immortalized in the movie “Hoosiers”.
Yet between 1950 and 1957, the Tigers were kings of Indiana basketball with a resume that included six regional titles, four semi-state championships and consecutive state titles in 1955 and 1956. This period of dominance also included a record of 179-20, 45 straight wins, and an undefeated 1956 team, which was a first in state history.
Outside of those who are from the city or state have most likely never heard of this team, and that’s understandable. But with a team that featured Robertson and Hallie Bryant and Willie Gardner, two of the 28 members of the Harlem Globetrotters’ prestigious Legends Ring, more people should learn about this program. This is why Converse’s decision to honor the team is so important.
“In honor of the trailblazing 1955 Crispus Attucks High School team, Converse features the champions’ team colors, as well as materials representative of their varsity letterman’s jacket on the original basketball sneaker, the Chuck 70, and the classic Converse Pro Leather.”
It’s an honor that’s been a long time coming.
“We are honored to have Converse showcase the Crispus Attucks 1955 state championship team,” said Crispus Attucks athletic director and basketball coach Chris Hawkins. “Those players not only broke barriers then, but their achievements continue to encourage and inspire our players today. These newly-designed shoes offer a beautiful, tangible reminder that if you work hard, you can achieve success.”
