Christiansburg Institute Sports Trophies
The Christiansburg Institute Sports Trophies commemorate the athletic achievements of CI students and the school’s vital role in the Virginia Interscholastic Association (VIA). Founded to provide African American high school students with opportunities in athletics, arts, academics, and leadership, the VIA became a critical platform for students at segregated schools like CI. From 1954 to 1969, over 100 schools actively participated in VIA events, empowering approximately 40,000 students to compete against peers from other Black secondary schools, fostering pride, unity, and resilience in their communities.
These trophies represent moments of triumph:
A 1955 District 2 Baseball Champion Trophy
A 1955 District 2 and 4 Area Co-Champions Football Trophy
A 1956 District 4 Basketball Champion Trophy
Despite the challenges of segregation and exclusion from the Virginia High School League, CI students thrived in VIA competitions, showcasing their talent and determination.
Proper archival storage including acid-free boxes and tissue is needed to preserve these trophies, safeguarding the legacy of CI’s athletes and their contributions to the broader story of resilience and excellence in the face of adversity.
Adopt these trophies today and help protect the legacy of CI’s student-athletes and their historic achievements!
The Christiansburg Institute Sports Trophies commemorate the athletic achievements of CI students and the school’s vital role in the Virginia Interscholastic Association (VIA). Founded to provide African American high school students with opportunities in athletics, arts, academics, and leadership, the VIA became a critical platform for students at segregated schools like CI. From 1954 to 1969, over 100 schools actively participated in VIA events, empowering approximately 40,000 students to compete against peers from other Black secondary schools, fostering pride, unity, and resilience in their communities.
These trophies represent moments of triumph:
A 1955 District 2 Baseball Champion Trophy
A 1955 District 2 and 4 Area Co-Champions Football Trophy
A 1956 District 4 Basketball Champion Trophy
Despite the challenges of segregation and exclusion from the Virginia High School League, CI students thrived in VIA competitions, showcasing their talent and determination.
Proper archival storage including acid-free boxes and tissue is needed to preserve these trophies, safeguarding the legacy of CI’s athletes and their contributions to the broader story of resilience and excellence in the face of adversity.
Adopt these trophies today and help protect the legacy of CI’s student-athletes and their historic achievements!
The Christiansburg Institute Sports Trophies commemorate the athletic achievements of CI students and the school’s vital role in the Virginia Interscholastic Association (VIA). Founded to provide African American high school students with opportunities in athletics, arts, academics, and leadership, the VIA became a critical platform for students at segregated schools like CI. From 1954 to 1969, over 100 schools actively participated in VIA events, empowering approximately 40,000 students to compete against peers from other Black secondary schools, fostering pride, unity, and resilience in their communities.
These trophies represent moments of triumph:
A 1955 District 2 Baseball Champion Trophy
A 1955 District 2 and 4 Area Co-Champions Football Trophy
A 1956 District 4 Basketball Champion Trophy
Despite the challenges of segregation and exclusion from the Virginia High School League, CI students thrived in VIA competitions, showcasing their talent and determination.
Proper archival storage including acid-free boxes and tissue is needed to preserve these trophies, safeguarding the legacy of CI’s athletes and their contributions to the broader story of resilience and excellence in the face of adversity.
Adopt these trophies today and help protect the legacy of CI’s student-athletes and their historic achievements!