The Black Fives: The Epic Story of Basketball's Forgotten Era

The Black Fives Era was a time of pioneering players and managers in Black basketball, battling discrimination and marginalization and creating culturally rich, socially meaningful events. Claude Johnson's book, The Black Fives, is a landmark narrative history that rewrites our understanding of the story of basketball and preserves this historically important African American experience.

Format: Hardback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: Abrams

A groundbreaking and timely account of the largely unheard-of early days of Black basketball, this book brings to life the trailblazing players, teams, and impresarios who shaped the game. From the introduction of basketball to Black communities on a widespread scale in 1904 to the racial integration of the NBA in 1950, dozens of African American teams were founded and thrived. This period, known as the Black Fives Era (teams at the time were often referred to as "fives"), was a time of pioneering players and managers who battled discrimination and marginalization while creating culturally rich and socially meaningful events. Despite notable rivalries between big-city clubs, astute business moves, and the undeniable talent of star players, this period remains largely unknown to basketball fans.

Claude Johnson, an advocate dedicated to preserving our history, has spent more than two decades conducting interviews, researching archives, collecting artifacts, and helping to preserve this historically significant African American experience that would have otherwise been lost. The result of his tireless efforts is The Black Fives, a landmark narrative history that intertwines the stories of these forgotten pioneers and rewrites our understanding of the history of basketball.

The Black Fives Era was a transformative time in the sport, marked by the emergence of pioneering players and managers who defied societal expectations and paved the way for greater inclusivity and diversity in basketball. These individuals faced numerous challenges, including discrimination, segregation, and limited opportunities, but their passion for the game and determination to succeed drove them forward.

One of the most notable figures during this period was John W. "Pop" Gates, a former slave who became one of the first Black coaches in the United States. Gates coached the Harlem Renaissance basketball team, which featured some of the greatest players of the time, including Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Oscar Robertson. Gates' coaching style was innovative and focused on teamwork and discipline, and his team's success on the court helped to raise awareness of Black basketball and inspire future generations of players.

Another pioneering player was Nat "Sweet" Lewis, who was known for his exceptional shooting and scoring abilities. Lewis played for several teams during the Black Fives Era, including the New York Renaissance and the Philadelphia Warriors, and his talent and charisma helped to popularize the sport among Black communities.

In addition to the players and coaches, the Black Fives Era was also marked by the emergence of innovative businessmen who played a crucial role in the development of the sport. One of the most notable was Abe Saperstein, who founded the Harlem Globetrotters in 1925. Saperstein was a shrewd businessman who recognized the potential of basketball as a means of promoting racial harmony and unity. The Globetrotters, known for their entertaining and high-flying style of play, became a cultural phenomenon and helped to break down racial barriers in the United States.

Despite the significant contributions of these individuals and teams, the Black Fives Era was not without its challenges. The sport was often met with resistance and discrimination from white communities, who saw it as a threat to their dominance in the sport. This led to a series of rivalries and confrontations between Black and white teams, which were often headline-grabbing and controversial.

Despite these challenges, the Black Fives Era was a time of great innovation and creativity in basketball. Players and teams developed new strategies and techniques, and the sport became more diverse and inclusive. The Black Fives Era laid the foundation for the growth and development of basketball as a global sport, and its impact can still be seen today.

In conclusion, The Black Fives: A History of Black Basketball from the Black Fives Era is a groundbreaking and timely account of the largely unknown early days of Black basketball. Through the stories of pioneering players, teams, and impresarios, this book sheds light on a period of great innovation, creativity, and adversity. Claude Johnson's tireless efforts to preserve this historically important African American experience have resulted in a landmark narrative history that rewrites our understanding of the story of basketball. The Black Fives Era was a time of great significance in the history of sports and society, and its legacy continues to inspire and influence today's players and fans.

Weight: 800g
Dimension: 162 x 237 x 44 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781419744365