The "Smart Set Athletic Club," one of the so-called "Black Five" early basketball teams based in Brooklyn
(Black Fives)
When you think "black pioneering athlete" and "Brooklyn" you likely think Jackie Robinson. But Brooklyn played a role in integrating basketball too. Claude Johnson amateur historian researching the "Black Fives" teams -- to be honored at a ceremony Sunday at the Barclays Center -- discusses the early history of basketball in the area.
The @brooklynnets say "Welcome to BK, birthplace of Michael Jordan." @claudejohnson thinks they should say "birthplace of Black basketball."
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) February 8, 2013
Comments [4]
Let us not forget the ladies: My grandmother, Reba McClain, broke the color bar on the NYU women's basketball team, the Violets, in the mid1920s. Her family had migrated from the south to Harlem when she was a teenager. She had been accepted to NYU but then rejected when they realized she was African American (she was light skinned and had reddish-brown hair). When her high school coach got appointed to NYU, he helped her regain admission. She was an all around athlete as well as managed a straight A average. She went on to work for the NYC Parks Dept. for some 43 years. The funniest part of the story? She was barely 5'2" if that! Take that, Lisa Leslie.
Right. Because grown men who chase balls for money and other pro atheletes do not get enought admiration in this world.
Try teaching kids to think of sports as just fun, not a manner of pride and honor.
How about math & engineering superstars for black kids now? A new world!
The photo shows men who look dignified and proud. The modern image of the NBA, the tattoos and the "attitude" . I am glad they imposed a dresscode on the teams, they looked like hoodlums prior to the dress code.
Congrats Claude -
We appreciate your efforts of ensuring that "Black Fives" and many others who aren't recognized remain part of our History -
Regards,
Tony
CT - SC
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