Dr. Edwin Bancroft Henderson was a trailblazer in African American sports history and a civil rights activist. Known as the “Grandfather of Black Basketball,” his legacy transcended athletics and influenced the socio-economic fabric of the African American community.
He pioneered opportunities for Black athletes, a path fraught with personal struggles, sacrifices, and formidable opposition. His story epitomizes courage in standing against White supremacy, immortalizing his contributions crucial to Black sports history and civil rights.
Born to parents who had been enslaved, Dr. E.B. Henderson’s journey from humble beginnings to a nationally respected leader highlights the power of resilience. His early brutal experiences in life shaped a vision for equality through sports, an unconventional yet powerful avenue for change.
Through his relentless passion, he helped African Americans achieve excellence in sports and civil rights. His vision paved the way for future generations.
A Visionary for Sports and Equality
After earning his certification to teach Physical education from Harvard University Dudley Sargent School of Physical Training. He returned to Washington, D.C., determined to make a difference. Basketball had just begun to gain popularity, and he realized its potential as a force for the greater good.
He founded the first Black Athletic League, organized basketball tournaments, and advocated for inter-racial competition between Black and White athletes at a time when racism was still prevalent in American society.
He made an invaluable contribution as the editor of the Spalding Official Handbook. Which became the first publication to document and recognize Black athletes’ contributions across major sports. This publication provided visibility in a society that denied their talents and achievements.
Building Institutions Amidst Racial Adversity
Dr. E.B. Henderson’s commitment went far beyond creating athletic opportunities. After being turned away from Washington D.C.’s all-White Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), his team, the Washington 12th Streeters, help raise money to build the 12th Street YMCA, a center for Black athletic and empowerment movements. The institution received support from influential figures like John D. Rockefeller and Julius Rosenwald, transforming it into a place of unity, resilience, and progress for African Americans in Washington, D.C.
Enduring Racism and Striving for Justice
Dr. E.B. Henderson’s path was not easy. In his tireless fight for civil rights, he faced countless adversities. Like hatred, threats, and even the terror of cross burnings. He faced rejection and exclusion from many White establishments and, on one occasion, was forcibly off-boarded from a bus as it crossed into Virginia. Yet, he never wavered in his dedication to equality and inclusion.
Dr. Henderson also established the first rural branch of the NAACP in the nation. His activism continued as he served as president of the Virginia NAACP. From organizing protests to fighting for school desegregation, his contributions made a crucial difference beyond the basketball court.
Documenting Black Achievement: The Negro in Sports
Expanding on his earlier Spalding Official Handbook, Dr. E.B. Henderson also wrote The Negro in Sports, a monumental work detailing the Black athletes’ accomplishments across various sports. This publication proved pivotal in highlighting the excellence of the Black community, challenging racial stereotypes. His works were among the first to illustrate that Black athletes could rival or surpass their White counterparts in skill and sportsmanship when given equal opportunities.
A Legacy Honored
In 2013, Dr. E. B. Henderson’s contributions were formally recognized with his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Honoring his impact as a pioneer in Black sports culture and civil rights. To learn more about this remarkable legacy. Get your copy of The Grandfather of Black Basketball: The Life and Times of Dr. E. B. Henderson by Edwin Bancroft Henderson II. This book offers comprehensive insights into his courageous life and the legacy he left for generations.The Grandfather of Black Basketball: The Life and Times of Dr. E.B. Henderson by Edwin Bancroft Henderson II is available on Amazon.
