The Grandfather of Black Basketball: The Life and Times of Dr. E. B. Henderson

Dr. Edwin Bancroft Henderson was the first to introduce basketball to African Americans on a wide-scale, organized basis. His grandson, Edwin Bancroft Henderson II, provides insight into his life and contributions to Black history. Henderson organized the first athletic league for Blacks, introduced basketball, founded associations to train and organize Black officials and referees, and authored The Negro in Sports. He was certified to teach physical education in the US, founded the first rural branch of the NAACP, advocated for inter-racial athletic competitions and school desegregation, and held executive board positions with multiple NAACP branches.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 20 February 2024
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Dr. Edwin Bancroft Henderson, a remarkable figure in African American history, emerges as the pioneering biographer in this captivating account. Born into the depths of slavery, he defied societal expectations and pursued an education at Harvard University's Dudley Sargent School of Physical Training. There, he encountered the visionaries of physical education, recognizing athletics, particularly basketball, as a powerful tool for public health and a means to empower Black youth.

In his groundbreaking work, The Grandfather of Black Basketball: The Life and Times of Dr. E. B. Henderson, Edwin Bancroft Henderson II, Dr. Henderson's grandson, delves into the intricate details of this influential figure's life. Through meticulous research and captivating storytelling, the book offers a profound understanding of Henderson's remarkable contributions.

Henderson's legacy extends far beyond his role as a basketball pioneer. He played a pivotal role in establishing the infrastructure for Blacks to participate in organized athletics. He organized the first athletic league for Blacks, introducing basketball to Black players on a wide-scale and organized basis. He also founded associations to train and organize Black officials and referees. His dedication to the sport extended to writing and co-editing the first Spalding publication that celebrated the achievements of African American participation in sports.

Henderson's impact extended beyond athletics. He was the first African American male to be certified to teach physical education in the United States. He advocated for inter-racial athletic competitions and school desegregation, holding executive board positions with multiple NAACP branches. His unwavering commitment to social justice and equality left an indelible mark on the African American community.

Despite his remarkable achievements, Henderson's contributions were often overlooked for decades. It was not until 2013 that he was finally enshrined in the National Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor to the game. The Grandfather of Black Basketball serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Dr. Edwin Bancroft Henderson, a visionary who paved the way for generations of Black athletes and activists.

In conclusion, The Grandfather of Black Basketball: The Life and Times of Dr. E. B. Henderson is a must-read for anyone interested in African American history, sports, and social justice. Through the lens of Henderson's remarkable life, the book sheds light on the power of education, athletics, and activism to transform lives and challenge societal norms. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of a man who dedicated his life to promoting equality and opportunity for all.

Weight: 531g
Dimension: 236 x 159 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538163610