Cardinal Cushing Cadets

The Cardinal Cushing Cadets “All-Girls” drum and bugle corps was formed in 1946 as the Archbishop Cushing Cadets, the only other all black drum corps from Roxbury.

Richard James Cushing was the Archbishop of the Boston catholic diocese and helped sponsor the girls corps, an inner city group. They were perennial member of the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) circuit and made their debut at the 1946 CYO “All-Girls” championships. Their sported trim uniforms of navy blue with gold and white accessories.

After another season of CYO activities, including the 1947 CYO contest, they went on to an impressive 9 straight “All-Girls” titles from 1948 to 1956. The following year saw the corps relinquish its title, placing 2^nd at the 1957 CYO championships. In 1958, the Archbishop, who was known to have participated at most if not all the CYO Nationals, was ordained a cardinal and accordingly, the corps was renamed the Cardinal Cushing Cadets.

They went on to perform and compete in parades and exhibitions from 1958 to 1967 before disbanding in 1968.

Paul Legault (DCX)

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