Sports has a long and revolutionary history. Throughout the years, many people have utilized sports to unite, heal, and educate society. One such individual who stands out in a crowd of many is none other than—Dr. Edwin Bancroft Henderson.
Commonly known as the “Grandfather of Black basketball,” Dr. Henderson’s contributions to sports and society go beyond the basketball court.
Let’s learn more about how he managed to vitalize sports as a tool for progress.
Despite the Odds…
The post-civil war era, 1883, was a challenging period for African Americans. During this time, Dr. Henderson was born and pursued education despite all odds. In fact, he became the first male to be certified to teach physical education, which might be one of the reasons why he clearly understood that sports were a powerful tool that could bring about societal change.
His grandson, Edwin Bancroft Henderson II’s book “The Grandfather of Black Basketball: The Life and Times of Dr. E. B. Henderson,” discusses in detail how, in 1904, Dr. Henderson made a revolutionary move by introducing basketball to African Americans in Washington, D.C. He aimed to provide a platform for African American youths to demonstrate their skills, build self-esteem, and garner respect.
Lo and behold, it worked, and soon enough, basketball became a means of expressing their identity in a society that often suppressed them. But Dr. Henderson wasn’t someone who would stop here. His services to society wouldn’t come to a halt just yet, would they?
No.
Dr. Henderson then started the first African American athletic leagues—an effort known as the breeding ground for many African American athletes today. He knew exactly what he was doing: Promoting a sense of community, camaraderie, and unity.
The Vision
All of us have a vision that is greater than ourselves. But how many of us actually act on this vision and bring it to life?
Not many of us, probably. But Dr. Henderson’s vision extended beyond the basketball court. He was also a civil rights activist, using his position in sports to fight for racial equality.
Dr. Henderson believed sports could break racial barriers and promote understanding and equality. Therefore, he organized interracial games, too, at a time when such activities were frowned upon. There was a reason behind these games, though. They were used to demonstrate that African Americans were not inferior to any other race and that they, too, deserved equal opportunities in sports and life.
“The Grandfather of Black Basketball: The Life and Times of Dr. E. B. Henderson” by Edwin Bancroft Henderson II further delves into how Dr. Henderson was also an author and historian who documented the contributions of African Americans in sports in his book, “The Negro in Sports” which was published in 1939.
If you are interested in learning more about how Dr. E. B. Henderson used sports as a tool for progress, “The Grandfather of Black Basketball: The Life and Times of Dr. E. B. Henderson” holds everything you seek.
Grab your copy on Amazon today!