By peter parker The inspiring story of Dr. Edwin Bancroft Henderson, also known as the grandfather of black basketball, offers thought-provoking insights and valuable lessons for all of us to follow.
Despite his parents being born into slavery, E.B. Henderson refused to bow down to his circumstances. This highlights his determination and dedication to his cause – to drive a positive social change through sports – particularly basketball – for his community.
Dr. E.B. Henderson’s life was marked by struggles, resilience, determination, and a desire for change, leading his community to become an integral part of American society.
For his significant contributions to sports, literature, and the social cause of promoting racial equality, he rightly deserves a place in the NBA Hall of Fame. And thanks to his grandson, E.B. Henderson II, for this endeavor, using his craft to pay the perfect tribute to his grandfather.
The book highlights Dr. E.B. Henderson’s eventful and transformative life journey, which is a symbol of courage for many African people, especially aspiring athletes and students. In the late 19th century, when access to education was severely restricted for African Americans, Dr. E.B. Henderson graduated from the District of Columbia’s M Street High School, which is now known as Dunbar High School.
“The Grandfather of Black Basketball: The Life and Times of Dr. E. B. Henderson“, the first authentic account of Dr. E. B. Henderson, takes us to a time when he attended the summer institute of the Dudley Sargent College of Physical Training at Harvard University in 1904. There, he met with the leaders of physical education, who introduced him to basketball. That was the turning point for him.
Dr. E.B. Henderson was a visionary in the truest sense. Seeing the spirit and the endurance that basketball offers, he decided to introduce the sport to people in his native Washington D.C. and use sports as the means to drive positive change for Black people.
He founded several key organizations: the Inter-Scholastic Athletic Association (ISAA), the first African American athletic league; the Eastern Board of Officials (EBO), the first organization to train and organize officials; and the Public-School Athletic League (PSAL) for Washington, DC, Colored schools, the first school league in a segregated division.
“The Grandfather of Black Basketball: The Life and Times of Dr. E. B. Henderson” further details how Henderson’s influence extended beyond the basketball court. He was a fervent civil rights activist who used his position of influence to fight for racial equality. He led protests against segregation in D.C. public schools and was instrumental in the desegregation of theaters, restaurants, and other public spaces in the city.
The book highlights a captivating and engaging life story of a man who’s the epitome of success and whose sincere efforts and commitment to his cause led to one of the most organized and sports-inspired social revolutions that reshaped people’s perceptions about African Americans, their hidden talents, and their significant contributions to the American society.
If you are interested in learning more about how E. B. Henderson rose to the Hall of Fame, his memoir, “The Grandfather of Black Basketball: The Life and Times of Dr. E. B. Henderson,” written by his grandson, Edwin Bancroft Henderson II, is a must-read for you.
Grab your copy today!
