If you are familiar with the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s annual basketball tournament, you most likely have heard of Abraham Mitchell, known affectionately by fans as “Mr. CIAA.”
Mitchell, who earned the “Mr. CIAA” moniker for his commitment to attending CIAA basketball games and the postseason tournament in color-coordinated suits that represented the team he was rooting for, died on Tuesday at age 95.
According to a 2015 article published by the Suffolk News-Herald, Mitchell started the tradition in 1970 when his nephew Peter Mitchell played basketball for Norfolk State University, then a member of the CIAA.
Despite having never attended a CIAA school or ever played a collegiate sport, Mitchell was recognized for his HBCU pride and commitment to the conference in 2016 as one of 10 inductees into the CIAA Hall of Fame.
In tributes posted to social media, many fans of Mitchell also shared memories of seeing him sporting stylish suits at the CIAA tournament and interacting with the crowd.
The conference paid tribute to Mitchell in a statement posted to the CIAA’s Instagram account on Wednesday.
“It is difficult to put into words the depth of our loss with the passing of Mr. Mitchell. Since 2018, his absence at the tournament has been profoundly felt. Mr. Mitchell will forever hold a cherished place in the CIAA family, having created countless beautiful memories for our fans, students, and partners over the span of more than four decades,” the statement read. “As a distinguished member of the CIAA Hall of Fame, Class of 2016, his remarkable legacy will endure for generations to come. During this time of honoring and celebrating his extraordinary life, we extend our heartfelt prayers for comfort and peace to the Mitchell family.”
“Take your rest, Uncle Ham. Mr. CIAA, the best-dressed man that I knew,” said his niece, LaKeta Mitchell Cooley, in her uncle’s online obituary. “We will truly miss you.”