Bouncing Back into Black History

by Angela Scott

Well, I did it! I finally treated myself to a spa day. This is both a feat and pleasure for any mom. But, when you’re a single mom living on a budget like me, spending a day at the spa becomes a dream come true. I went with my women’s church ministry group for our “Girls’ Day Out” to Skin Spa in Encino, Calif. With day spas popping up all over major cities, I passed by 10 on one block before reaching my destination. Obviously, somebody likes relaxing with luxurious massages and facials.

During the same year that Woodson began honoring black history, a 24-year-old white entrepreneur, Abe Saperstein, formed the all-black basketball team, “Savoy Big Five.” While his immediate goal was to draw people into New York’s Savoy Ballroom for profitable basketball games, Saperstein could not overlook the talent of his basketball squad. In 1927, the professional b-ballers changed their name to the Harlem Globetrotters.

As a youngster, I was amazed attending my first Harlem Globetrotters game, where legends Meadowlark Lemon, Fred “Curly” Neal and Hubert “Geese” Ausbie graced the courts as ball-handling wizards performing with finesse, while creating roars of laughter with their on-court comedic antics. I knew the Harlem Globetrotters were special – so special that they remain the only team to receive their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1982). Setting another mark in Black History, the Harlem Globetrotters became the first African-American-owned professional sports team/organization in 1993, when former Globetrotter Mannie Jackson acquired the team from International Broadcasting Company.

The Harlem Globetrotters also carved a niche in American basketball history in 2002 becoming the only team inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

“Being honored in the basketball hall of fame is what I think every basketball player strives for, and it’s even better being honored as a team because it’s a team game,” says Harlem Globetrotter Eathan O’Bryant. “When you accomplish something together, it outweighs individual achievements,” says O’Bryant who’s playing in his eighth season with the team. As a team ambassador, O’Bryant will visit 150 elementary schools this season, sharing the Globetrotter’s Character Education program that emphasizes the importance of caring about school and one another.

Now celebrating their 78th touring season, the Harlem Globetrotters continue their mission of dribbling fun and frolic, crossing through small towns and big cities. With new Harlem Globetrotter legends such as O’Bryant, Curley “Boo” Johnson, Kris “Hi-Lite” Bruton and Herbert “Flight Time” Lange, look for the same premiere-style ball-handling wizardry and slam-dunk surprises. As true sports entertainers, funky music plays a pivotal role in their show, as well as laser lights, acrobats performed by the “Flying Mapapas” from Kenya and lots of on-court audience participation. Because ticket prices start at $10, you can treat the family and friends.

For touring information on the Harlem Globetrotters, visit them at www.harlemglobetrotters.com. To learn more about Black History, visit www.historychannel.com/exhibits/blackhist/main.html.



Photo Credit: Herbert "Flight Time" Lange shares his ball-spin moves with a fan. Courtesy the Harlem Globetrotters.

Angela D. Scott lives in the Los Angeles area and is the Special Sections Editor, L.A. Parent. This professional writer is a single mother of two daughters, Shani and Samara.



April 2, 2004