A week ago I was in Falls Church, Virginia attending the 3rd Annual Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation’s Black History Month Celebration, Celebrity Basketball Game, and Awards Ceremony. I was invited down to participate in the panel discussion, and to receive that foundation’s Living Legacy Award. This award is in recognition of contributions and devotion in [...]
A week ago I was in Falls Church, Virginia attending the 3rd Annual Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation’s Black History Month Celebration, Celebrity Basketball Game, and Awards Ceremony.
I was invited down to participate in the panel discussion, and to receive that foundation’s Living Legacy Award.
This award is in recognition of contributions and devotion in the area of preserving African American basketball history.
It was a double honor because the other recipients were former New York Rens and Washington Bears star John Isaacs, author and historian James Henderson, who’s book Molder of Men chronicles the life of his father, Edwin “E.B.” Henderson, historian Susan Rayl, and author and blogger Bijan Bayne, who’s book, Sky Kings was one of the first to cover the teams of the Black Fives Era.
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The panel was moderated by Ed Henderson II, the grandson of E.B. Henderson.
Henderson’s wife, Nikki Graves, did a great job organizing the whole event.
Together they do a great job and they’re good people.
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Anyway, how many people do you know who’s grandmother (Ed II’s) has a middle school named after her?
The panel was insightful and well attended. A range of topics included a discussion of the merits of E.B. Henderson’s enshrinement in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
The basketball game, between the Harlem Magic Masters and the Falls Church All Stars, was a classic. The mayor of Falls Church, the Honorable Robin Gardner, was there with her kids. A fine touch.
And, yo — the award hardware is impressive too.
I would encourage you to attend next year’s event, because you have to see in person what’s going on in Falls Church to really appreciate it.
I’m proud of the Hendersons, and also of the entire City of Falls Church.
(Top photos courtesy of Gary Mester.)
Panelists: l. to. r., Ed Henderson II, James Henderson, John Isaacs,
Award recipients with hosts: l. to r., Nikki Graves, Isaacs,
congratulations, claude! it’s nice to be recognized for the work you do…you’d better get used to it – i think you’ll be on the receiving end of a lot more awards!
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Thanks Pat! I appreciate that!
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[...] http://blackfivesblog.com/?p=338 [...]
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[...] this organization is affiliated with the family of Edwin B. Henderson and have a related annual Basketball History Living Legacy Award that we felt honored to receive earlier this [...]
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Claud, I was checking up on Susan Rayl, and there you were again getting an award. Man, you’re all over the place…this happens when history unwritten for decades surfaces. Looking at the photos with you in the middle looks like you are at least 6’4…maybe 5. See too where you’re wearing your marketable sneakers too. Question: Do you know Martin Gui Gui? Hd a meeting in LA with him past tuesaday relative the movie upcoming…”Sweetwater”. I was in “Sweets” cab in Chicago 1990. Got in the cab, and there he was with the biggest hands ever. Kidded my 3 kids out at the Chicago Field Museum and then rode around with him for two hours or so. Maybe I told you previously……………tosh
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Once again…..talked to Marques Haynes the other day. The man is amazing. Thin, plays golf, is viable and is controlled by his wife. He an I go way back…like 1951.
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