Media Depictions
From dainty athleticism to outright prowess, early Black women’s basketball teams were often depicted as novelties
This was the case among women’s teams in general. As the game became more popular and competitive among females, dainty white blouses and bloomers gave way to form-fitting basketball jerseys and matching shorts.
This caused some authorities to doubt whether women were compatible with the sport. One male physician who was presumed to be an expert on such matters declared in 1911 that, “basket ball is injurious and should not be engaged in by girls or women.” He added that “the nature of women should keep them from this dangerous sport.”
(Black Fives Foundation Archives)
Early Women Playing, 1900s
Womens Rules, 1913-4
Younger Set Form Basketball Team
When the Younger Set were formed, it made headlines.
Early Box Score, 1910s
New York Girls article
A newspaper article about the New York Girls, an African American basketball team from the 1910s.
Mysterious-Girls-Big-East-2022-BHM-035
Women in Sports article, ca. 1936
savoy-colts-box-score
Roamer Girls, 1935
Roamer-Girls-Big-East-2022-BHM-033
Chocolate Coeds, 1940s
Special White Section, 1930s
Negro Girls Coming ad, 1934
Club Store Co-Eds, ca. 1936
The Club Store Co-Eds featuring 6'-7" center Helen Smith, also known as the Chocolate Co-Eds when traveling.
Helen "Streamline" Smith, ca. 1934
Helen "Streamline" Smith of the Chicago Roamer Girls.