Meet An Ageless Wonder

On January 28, 2009, in Basic, Children, Culture, History, Motivation, Music, NBA, Race, Women, by Black Fives

This article by Sonja Steptoe is from the Sports Illustrated archives (the “SI Vault”), and originally appeared in print in the magazine’s December 24, 1990 issue. We felt it would be appropriate to re-publish the article here now, in honor of John “Boy Wonder” Isaacs, the former basketball star with the New York Rens (of Harlem) who passed away Monday morning at the age of 93. It’s easy to see why Mr. Isaacs was such a hero and friend to so many.

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Basket-Ball Is Growing In Cracker-land

On January 13, 2009, in Culture, History, Politics, Premium, Race, by Black Fives

“In some places even in “Cracker-land,” economic considerations are making for games between teams of white and Colored players. Good sportsmanship is the rule, and the contacts brought about in these games is robbing prejudice of much of its power.”

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Beginning Of The End For Black Basketball Dynasty, 60 Years Ago Today

On December 19, 2008, in History, Premium, by Black Fives

Today is the 60th anniversary of the date (December 19, 1948) that the all-black New York (Harlem) Rens made history by replacing the Detroit Vagabond Kings of the previously racially segregated National Basketball League and debuting as the new Dayton Rens.

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Anniversary Of Commonwealth Big Five Debut, 1922

On November 11, 2008, in History, NBA, Premium, Race, by Black Fives

The Commonwealth Big Five, an all-black basketball team, debuted on this date in 1922, becoming the first fully-professional African American basketball team.

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New York Renaissance (aka Harlem Rens) Debut On This Day In 1923

On November 3, 2008, in History, Motivation, Premium, Race, by Black Fives

The New York Rens, the first black-owned, all-black, fully professional basketball team, debuted on November 3, 1923, beating the Collegiate Five, an all-white team, at the Renaissance Ballroom in Harlem. Team owner Robert Douglas, who was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1973, had announced his plans to the public just a few [...]

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“We were helping our race by fortifying the bodies of our people in this, the struggle for existence, where only the fittest survive.”
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