Everyone in the community, including all Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) graduates, are invited to attend the Crispus Attucks High School Class of 1971 Reunion.
On Aug. 12 at 6 p.m., a “Getting Reacquainted” event for alumni will be held at the Jewel Events Center, 3333 N. Illinois St.
On Aug. 13, a 5 p.m. dinner and 8 p.m. concert will take place at the Hilton Hotel downtown, located at the corner of Illinois and Market Streets. Tickets are $50 for the dinner and concert, or just $25 for the concert.
Special guest performer will be Tribute to the Temptations, who will perform classics from the group’s heyday such as “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Cloud Nine” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.”
Led by Indianapolis native Donald Burton, Tribute to the Temptations started in Las Vegas in 1995, and has performed in venues nationwide and overseas, earning the reputation as perhaps the best tribute group of the legendary Temptations.
“This is going to be the best Attucks reunion we have ever had,” said Larry Bates, an organizer of the event. “We had a lot of great and talented people come from the Class of ’71, from successful athletes and doctors, to attorneys and worldwide entertainers.”
Bates added that the reunion will give everyone, regardless of where they graduated, a chance to honor the great historical legacy of Crispus Attucks, which was the only high school local African-Americans could attend until desegregation in the 1960s.
The school employed many of the city’s best African-American instructors, some of whom played a significant role in history such as John Morton Finney, an attorney and Buffalo Soldier who served in World War I, and Graham Martin, one of the first Black officers in the U.S. Navy.
“We are especially asking all Crispus Attucks alumni to celebrate with us,” Bates said.
David Odle is answering that call by bringing his aunt, Leona Johnson, to the reunion. She is a 1936 graduate of Crispus Attucks.
“She is really excited about participating,” Odle said. “Our entire city can take pride in not only the Class of ’71, but Crispus Attucks in general because of its historical impact in our community.”
Burton, who graduated with the Class of ’71, has moved back to Indianapolis after securing a successful music career. He is looking forward to seeing old friends he hasn’t encountered in years.
“We’re going to do all the favorites and have a lot of fun,” said Burton, who is also planning a concert with Four Tops and Supremes tribute groups. “We’ll be taking people down memory lane with some great songs.”
For more information about the Crispus Attucks Class of 1971 reunion and to order tickets, call (317) 514-3314. For more information about Tribute to the Temptations, visit www.tributetothetemptations.net.
