Black History: Special Delivery!!

Dr. Edwin B. Henderson is credited with being the FATHER OF BLACK BASKETBALL. Henderson learned the game while attending Harvard University in 1904. He then returned to his home in Washington DC and taught it to black athletes in the segregated school system. Henderson set up several leagues for black players to compete in the sport. Due to segregation they were not allowed to play white teams. Henderson was also the first academic researcher of African American athletes. He published many writings in this area. Henderson and his wife Mary fought for equality within their communities. He was instrumental in starting an NAACP branch in Fairfax, VA. He also fought to end desegregation of sporting facilities.