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Welcome to the Black Fives Online Museum, an ongoing series of exhibitions showcasing artifacts about the pre-NBA history of African Americans in basketball, from the collections of the Black Fives Foundation Archives. Join us for a journey through the Black Fives Era, which lasted from the early 1900s through 1950, the year the National Basketball Association signed its first African American players. Start with the intro video, then visit the sections and keep coming back to explore further as we add more!

Introduction by Claude Johnson | Executive Director, The Black Fives Foundation

Historical Overview Video 👆🏽

Exhibition 4

Will Anthony Madden’s Basketball Legacy

Will Anthony Madden (1883–1973) made pivotal contributions to basketball that changed the way games were promoted, staged, played, and covered in the news. His enduring legacy still informs not only basketball but all of sports today.

Exhibitions


Exhibition 1

Early Basketball


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3 months ago

I just got a Los Angeles Red Devils hat at the lids store today, along with a retro clippers hat.

Admin
2 months ago
Reply to  Jack Rochford

Nice! Thank you!

1 year ago

Your contribution to the history of the game is long overdue. Congratulations on being the one with the expertise and passion for the game to bring this long lost history to the public’s attention.

2 years ago

very nice to i love history

raynard woodard
2 years ago
Daniel
2 years ago

Great insight on an insicive time. Waiting for the other exhibtions. Keep up the good work!

2 years ago

Excellent opportunity for young athletes and scholars to use to obtain historical facts about blacks participating in basketball.

Devon Holden
2 years ago

I’m excited to show this to students.

Ondrea N Heggie
2 years ago

What a wonderful exciting way to engage the history of a sport America loves so much! Very educational, thank you for doing and sharing this work! Please continue to find new creative ways to share the knowledge of sports,history & life! AGAPE! :)

Thomasine
2 years ago

To: Mr: Claude Johnson

Jerry Cooper played with the Washington Bears Basketball team for a short stint in the 1940s. He will turn 100 on July 26 at a celebration in the District of Columbia. A interesting and engaging individual, yesterday he returned from the 2021 Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene, OR.

I did not any recognize apparel about the Bears, or something close at the blackfives Foundation. Are you aware of any items or their logo for sale!

Please feel free to contact us. Thank you!

Admin
Reply to  Thomasine

Hi Thomasine, thanks for being in touch. Please stay tuned. :-)

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