At first, bricks and mortar was the primary concern in building the school. African-American families feared their new school would be inferior to the other Indianapolis schools. However, once the creation of the new school began, the black community rose to meet the challenge of ensuring high standards. The community discovered newfound pride for the school and decided their school would triumph.
Black teachers with advanced degrees came from across the nation to apply for a job. The first two principals had over fifteen years of experience and Ivy League degrees. Attucks attracted many talented applicants who did not get the opportunity to teach in others schools because of their race. "We knew nothing else, there was nothing else, but Attucks." Students sitting in desks listening while the teacher points at the map, Indiana Historical Society, 1948 (click to enlarge)
"Crispus Attucks was my foundation." |
Graduating students, Charles Bretzman, 1930
As the years passed, Attucks developed a legacy of excellence as a result of its elite staff and its exceptional students. Many of the students became doctors, lawyers, military officers, professional basketball players, and musicians. The school was created to only produce laborers and servants; however, the students of Attucks thrived under educated and dedicated teachers.
Crispus Attucks High School Social History Project Teacher Interview with Former Principal Russell Lane, 1977
"...the mission of Attucks was to give the students we had under the circumstances under which we were inagurated, the best possible education." "Now supplement that by saying that we had the strongest faculty of any high school in the city of Indianapolis." |