Watch Something to Cheer About

Something to Cheer About is a heartwarming documentary film released in 2002, directed by Betsy Blankenbaker. The story is about a group of African American teenagers from Crispus Attucks High School, Indiana's first all-black high school, who defy odds and racial barriers by winning the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) basketball championship in 1955-56.

The story is narrated by Hallie Bryant, who played on the team and who provides insights and interviews with other team players, coaches, and community members. The film also provides historical context and insights into the struggle for civil rights, as the team faced adversity and segregation during a time of discrimination and racism in Indiana.

The documentary highlights the challenges faced by the team, including the Jim Crow laws of segregation, limited resources, and lack of recognition and support. The team's coach, Ray Crowe, played a significant role in building unity and teamwork within the team, and in guiding them through the challenges they faced.

As the story unfolds, viewers get to witness the team's journey, from their initial struggles to their eventual triumph as the IHSAA state champions. The film shows the joy and excitement of the team and the community as the team wins the championship, and the impact it had on the players' futures.

The film's portrayal of the team's achievements is inspiring, as it underscores the importance of hard work, dedication, and teamwork. It is an affirmation of the human spirit and a testament to the power of resilience and determination.

One of the significant themes of the film is racial segregation and discrimination, which was prevalent in the US during the 1950s. The film touches on this theme, showing how the team faced discrimination, prejudice, and racism in the form of limited resources, lack of recognition and support, and hostility from other teams and their supporters.

The documentary also explores themes of racial identity and pride, cultural significance, and community support. The film underscores the importance of racial identity and the pride the team members felt in their African American heritage. It also highlights the role of community support in the team's success, showcasing the passion and dedication of the school's students, faculty, and wider community.

Something to Cheer About is a compelling and emotionally engaging documentary that captures the spirit of triumph and the struggle for civil rights during a tumultuous time in US history. It celebrates the achievements of the Crispus Attucks basketball team and the broader African American community in Indiana, providing an inspiring and uplifting message of hope and resilience.

Overall, Something to Cheer About is a must-watch film for anyone interested in sports, history, and civil rights. It provides a unique and insightful perspective on the struggles and triumphs of African American athletes during a time of racial segregation and political turmoil.

Something to Cheer About is a 2002 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 4 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 43.