In 1957, the men’s basketball program at Tennessee Agricultural & Industrial State University made history by becoming the first team from a historically Black college or university to win a national championship. Coached by John McLendon, the team was known for their fast-breaking offense and relentless full-court pressure. Dick Barnett, a shooting guard for the team, expressed his confidence in their abilities, stating that they were focused and felt unbeatable.
However, despite their historic achievement, the team faced significant challenges due to the racial segregation of the Jim Crow South. Now, over six decades later, the achievements of the Tennessee A&I Tigers remain largely unrecognized. At 87 years old, Dick Barnett, who went on to play for the New York Knicks championship teams in the 1970s, has dedicated the last decade of his life to rectifying this oversight.
Barnett has been campaigning for the Tigers to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and has taught a new generation of basketball players at Tennessee State University about the barrier-breaking team. His efforts are now the subject of a PBS documentary titled “The Dream Whisperer.” Barnett is also seeking recognition for the team in the form of an invitation to the White House, with over 50 members of Congress supporting the request.
Challenges for prompt recognition exist, as only seven players from the championship teams are still alive, and only three of them and a surviving assistant coach are healthy enough to travel. Despite the obstacles, Barnett remains steadfast in his quest to ensure that the team receives the acknowledgment and celebration they deserve. He views this not just as a personal issue, but as a matter of representation and inclusion for his entire race.
The Tennessee A&I Tigers demonstrated incredible resilience and talent as they faced the pervasive racism of their time. Their coach, John McLendon, who was a disciple of basketball’s inventor, James Naismith, fought to move the team to the N.C.A.A., but when denied entry, they competed in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, where they secured back-to-back championships from 1957 to 1959.
The team’s legacy has been largely lost to history, but through Barnett’s efforts, their story is being brought to light once again. His perseverance and leadership both on and off the court have earned him recognition, culminating in his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.
This important piece of history serves as a reminder of the resilience and talent of Black athletes during a time of widespread discrimination and exclusion. It is a testament to their strength and determination in the face of adversity and continues to inspire future generations. With the continued support of dedicated individuals like Barnett, the Tennessee A&I Tigers will hopefully receive the acknowledgment and celebration they have long deserved.