For decades, Abraham Mitchell was a beloved presence in the sports world of historically Black colleges and universities. Easily recognizable in the bustling crowds of Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association basketball tournaments, his colorful suits and upbeat demeanor earned him the nickname “Mr. CIAA.”

Mitchell died last week at age 95, sparking an outpouring of grief, tributes and celebrations that highlighted the profound impact of his contributions and legacy for basketball fans and the CIAA community.

“It is difficult to put into words the depth of our loss with the passing of Mr. Mitchell,” read a CIAA statement on social media. “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.”

Born on Sept. 24, 1929, in Suffolk, Mitchell was originally a mortician. He began attending CIAA tournaments in the 1970s to support his nephew, Peter Mitchell, who played for Norfolk State University.

Mitchell’s outfits started as a simple shirt and tie to show support for NSU, but over the years, they evolved into suits featuring the school colors of both teams during games, with Mitchell changing outfits at halftime.

Over the years, Mitchell created, designed, or redesigned a vast collection of unique, high-quality suits to celebrate each basketball team participating in the tournaments — a skill he attributed to his mother’s work as a seamstress. In a 2016 interview, he estimated having between 300 and 400 suits in his home.

For Joe Taylor, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and community wellness at Virginia Union University, Mitchell’s presence and energy “single-handedly impacted” the attendance of CIAA basketball tournaments.

“His sharp dress and representation of each institution in the CIAA attracted attendees to the arena by the masses to see what outfit he would be wearing next,” Taylor said. “No one will ever duplicate his style, class and his impeccable fashions. He will truly be missed.”

Although Mitchell never played college sports, his dedication to celebrating the games and the players earned him a spot in the CIAA Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2016.

A viewing will be held by Mitchell’s family on Friday, Jan. 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Suffolk.

His funeral will take place noon Saturday, Jan. 18, at New Tabernacle Church, located at 2500 E. Washington St.