The Other Side of History Crispus Attucks High School

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Edition Date: August 12, 2016

Photo provided by the IPS Crispus Attucks Museum

A SEPARATE PLACE TO LEARN - Students are shown in one of the many classrooms at Crispus Attucks High School. The school opened its doors in 1927 as a way to segregate the city's black and white high school students, who had been in classes together since 1872.

The Other Side of History Crispus Attucks High School Triumphed to Create Scholars

The story of Crispus Attucks High School often begins and ends with tales of the 1955 basketball team's state championship win - the first all-black school in the nation to accomplish this feat - and how it captured not only Indiana's attention, but the nation's. Yet, there is another side to the school's history that many of its alumni have been

sharing with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren - one they believe is equally or even more impressive than the championship titles of 1955, 1956 and 1959. It's a story rooted in racism and oppression, but one of fortitude, perseverance and ultimately triumph. It's a story that will finally take center stage when "Attucks: The School That Opened a City" premieres to a sold-out crowd at 6:45 p.m. Aug. 18 at the Madame Walker Theatre. A second screening will be held at 2 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Walker. The 90-minute documentary by filmmaker Ted Green and WFYI sheds light on the school's tumultuous beginning as city officials decided in the early 1920s to segregate its high schools and create Crispus Attucks to house Indianapolis' growing black population. The decision uprooted many students already attending the city's three integrated high schools (Manual, Shortridge and Arsenal Technical). In 1927, Crispus Attucks High School opened its doors to more than 1,000 black students who were forced to attend. Through personal interviews with Attucks graduates and educators, the film highlights how - despite insurmountable odds - Attucks not only succeeded but thrived, producing some of the most successful and influential graduates in the city. "They produced scholars immediately," said Green, about the accomplishments of the school's all-black educators, many who had obtained master's degrees and some doctorates, but who could not secure jobs elsewhere because of the color of their skin. "I don't think anybody expected for this school to be successful, but they (the educators) demanded excellence. It was just an ugly period of time, but they made something beautiful happen," said Lauren Franklin, principal of what is now Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet High School. Continue here.

Photo provided by Ted Green Films

A WINNING TEAM - Attucks basketball coach Ray Crowe is lifted by his team, including sophomore Oscar Robertson (second from left) after the Tigers won the 1954 sectional championship.

Hi s tory Has Come Full Ci rcle for Frankli n Fami ly

The Hardes t Story, 'They Took Lemons and Made Lemonade' but the Bes t Story to Tell

Lauren Franklin serves as principal of Pat Payne praises the fortitude of a school with strong familial ties. Attucks' students and staff.

Filmmaker, producer Ted Green talks about the making of "Attucks."