Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Tennessee Tigers Recognition at the White House

QUEENS, NY–Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) released the following statement on the Tennessee A&I Tigers Men’s Basketball Team’s celebration with Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House.

“In January, I led a letter joined by more than 50 Members of Congress to President Biden to respectfully request that he invite the surviving members of the 1957-1959 Tennessee A&I Tigers Men’s Basketball Team to the White House. I am pleased that my request has been honored, and that the Tennessee Tigers enjoyed a long overdue commemoration with Vice President Kamala Harris to honor their historic accomplishments.

“During a time rife with segregation and racial tensions, the Tennessee Tigers’ athletic achievements are recognized as an act of tremendous bravery. The 2023 documentary, ‘The Dream Whisperer,’ initially jump-started the conversation regarding the team’s success and unfulfilled acknowledgement. Now, these talented men finally received the recognition they deserved.

“It’s important that the feats of historically black institutions continue to be officially recognized. This long-awaited celebration of the Tennessee Tigers serves to cement the team as an important part of America’s history.”

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