I’m sharing your replies to my questions from the other day, that I sent out via email.

Thank you very, very much for creating the time to reply.

Your reply provides great information not only for us but for everyone else reading this blog and visiting BlackFives.com.

They’re in no particular order. Hope you don’t mind that I kept them anonymous.

The original questions were:

Briefly, what do you think is the most important thing about Black Fives (either the website, the blog, the products, the message, etc.), and who do you think is interested in Black Fives? I mean, who is it for? Who should it be for? Would you mind just replying to this email with your thoughts?

1 ===

It gave my daughter something to go on, that we as a people some times don’t do, inspriation to look in herself and know as a people we did and have accomplish things together. And it help her with her report and also she is no focus in her sport.

2 ===

Who could/should it be for? I think it should be inspirational to urban youth who need concrete examples of success and what it takes to achieve. It should be a model of accomplishment for youth who have few models. And it should be a symbol for others who want to rally behind it.

That’s what I’ve always thought.

Commercially it can appeal to any young adult who wants to wear that Badge of urban pride and accomplishment.

3 ===

I think that the base of black fives is who is a true fan of b-ball. That group transcends race. If your into the game, you’ll be into BF. Moving past that, the gear is dope, so you are going to pick up clients from that. If they look into the ideas behind the gear, they will see a the authenticity and history behind it, and gain some knowledge in the process. Nostalgia is probably one of the largest forces behind retail purchases. As you build the brand and the movie and the museum type exhibits/tours, you are only solidifying your position as the authority on this subject. That serves as “street cred”, for lack of a better term, which will further bolster sales and propel your growth. While I am focusing on just the retail implications, I feel you are genuine in your interest on the subject and belief in what you are doing, which also attracts clients. I hadn’t looked at your site in a while, and when I did and saw all the inspirational/motivational aspects, it really spoke to me. So while I know that you are asking what part of the brand is most important, I have to say they are all equally powerful, and they all feed into and off of each other serving to strengthen the brand. The high school kid might see your stuff at House of Hoops and like it because it’s fresh, while someone older might appreciate the motivational aspect of the blog, and then the old timer might revel in the nostalgia. I think you shouldn’t worry about whom it is for. Keep doing what you are doing, and you will attract the people for whom it is for.

4 ===

hey claude, happy new year

i like all that you are doing with black fives.

i’m not just saying that because of my grandfather either…..

i’m all for people doing positive things with their lives….

i like the clothes, apparrel, blogs, articles, website in general

its all good, keep up the good work…..

5 ===

Most important thing about Black Fives (priortized):

- The message

- The products

- Website/Blog

Black Fives has allowed me learn about and embrace historical events in
sports culture that I was not familiar with before.

The Black Fives products that I have purchased as gifts are all been well
received.

I have found twenty-someting to forty-something Black males to find Black
Fives to be informational and rewarding.

I am a forty-something Black female who is a sports enthusiast (basketball
and football) so Black Fives suits me well!

I can’t wait to see the Womens‘ line of products!

I am behind the times when it comes to blogs. I will ramp up my pace since
I see how you’ve listed several topics of interest to me!

I hope this helps. I will ponder your questions more and check back in at a
later time.

Stay Blessed!

6 ===

yo wattup black fives! my names dane. i checkd out your online store and i was REALLY REALLY feelin your style for real! problem is… i live way overseas in NEW ZEALAND! so i have a few questions for yall… if i where to buy some “Harlem Rens” Vandal Low LE from your site, would you please, please, please! be able to ship them to me? also… are your prices listed in U.S dollars? thanx a mill, this would be much appreciated!

holla back asap! peace!

7 ===

Hey Claude, It is always nice to hear what’s new with Black Fives. I love reading about the history of the game that we all love. You are a man on a mission!! Keep going all the way to the top!!! Your like a professional basketball player, getting paid to do something you love.
I’m feeling the Alpha Physical Culture Club, Air Force III Low LE.

Stay Safe.

8 ===

I am a basketball nut and I love to hear stories about how the game has developed and changed over the years. When I typed entered the website, I was blown-away by the content and layout. Whoever designed your website needs to be praised because that’s is truly a work of art. I am glad someone did research on the brothers that played the game in those days because, quite frankly, I am tired of hearing about the Negro Leagues of Baseball and Jackie Robinson.

Don’t get me wrong, I respect what Jackie did and I still love to hear stories about the Negro Leagues and how his acceptance changed baseball history but where are the stories about the Chris Dorsey’s and Mike Briscoe’s of basketball.

Thank for Black Fives. Who designed your website?

9 ===

I’m not sure if you’ll remember me or not, but this is Jake , my dad and I spoke with you for a few moments last Saturday night at the Peak Potentials event. I just wanted to right you a quick note and say that your story was really inspiring. Although I learned an incredible amount throughout the weekend, your story was one of the most beneficial aspects to me. Good luck in all of your endeavors and I hope I can be as successful in doing what I love, as you have. Take care.

10 ===

The most important thing, IMHO, is that it spreads the word about the early Black game. I think everyone genuinely involved in or a buff of sports history is interested, and so are educators. In the general topic, the interest lies with sportswear companies and electronic media (Black basketball history is “hot”).

11 ===

the most important thing in my opinion is the Black heritage the concept captures. much of who we are is lost or seemingly insignificant. Black Fives holds true to that and stays current. When I interviewed you for the radio show in DC, the people who called in were upper echelon White professionals–they were amazed at the history. I think it can be for anyone–and its personal to Black people. I see the same And1 heads beginning to embrace it more and more. But also, people around the world that appreciate history and culture; intellectuals, politicians, professionals.

12 ===

the documentary is definitely the most anticipated thing at this moment. it’ll de-mystify black fives for a lot of people and give them a real connecting point. u know that ah-ha! moment.

once u do this everyone interested in sports, sports history, basketball or what happened before the NBA will tune in more. that’s when they’ll want a piece of what you’ve got and hopefully buy even more gear ( merchandise).

the blog then becomes more relevant because now they care. which should translate into to more hit/readers.

peace.

13 ===

The most important thing is the history of the people contained in the website. The stories, the legends and what they brought to the game and also to the people after the game. Highlighting new stories about the legends or how they affected the lives of individuals. Personal testimonies… The products would be a celebration of those legends to live on and be remembered.

All ages…no one is ever to old or young to be inspired to live their life fully.

14 ===

I like the message. The website and the product are expressions of the message so I see this as being integrated. I have not used the blog so I don’t have an opinion here. In general, I am not a huge blog user for anything.

I think anyone who has a high propensity towards sports is the target audience. It is my experience that if the person enjoys sports, they enjoy being a student of history.

15 ===

creating and disseminating awareness of the contributions of the pioneers of the game. It’s the only site/source that does it. I am not black but this just seems to me a true, working model for support of the term “Black Pride”; it simply gives African Americans another accomplishment to be proud of….and gives basketball fans of all stripes greater insight into the early game. (I think it should be a link on the NAACP site and any other major sites.)

16 ===

Hey Claude! Good question.

My first response would be, especially with products and web site in mind, that it’s preserving a very important, yet unknown, piece of history alive. It is very educational. And even more than that, the message is to inspire and motivate anybody and all. Those guys were, after all, successful, no matter how restricted their realm was. It is a means for you to teach and guide, whomever is open and willing, to reach their full potential. Ostensibly, but not exclusively, young disenfranchised kids and teenagers, because they can relate to the basketball more so than some other venue.

17 ===

I was wondering if it is possible to ship 1 pair of Nike dunks Philadelphia Panthers to The Netherlands. We can’t buy them here! And, from my point of view: The best Dunks ever made!

I only have High Cognan Color Dunks, and these. The pair that I am about to order from you.

Will be a pair that I probably will never wear! My back-up pair!

I will pay with PayPal.

18 ===

I think they all work together website, blog, product etc, it a slice of Americana and it needs available to be view through all venues and that’s how it should be marketed. On a deeper level it’s Afro American Heritage and I think it should be at least mentioned in grade school.

Who’s it for? Everyone on some level. Who will buy it is the question? There are a few things to consider, this slice of history was not only about basketball but fashion came into play, look at the sweaters, the team logos, etc. these guys had style. Converse captures some of their early looks in today’s lines like John Varvatos for Converse and their stuff is for Anglo’s mostly. So the base is broad, it’s just how you give the fashion to the customer. I think the draw back of Converse is they see the word “Black Fives “ as limiting to an urban market, sort of like working with blinders and yet they put it in the premier collection and it lost its color line. Whereas for the shoes it was only targeted for urban.

19 ===

claude…..i told you (black) five years ago, or more…when we met on the radio…that 1- coffee table book (with me writing the copy) would work….and two…a historical fiction film, based on facts…that’s what’s important about black fives to me…but i have a personal interest in both projects…….(and all the other stuff too)

20 ===

I know you have stated in the past that you will no longer offer the “Rens” jacket; however, I would like you to reconsider. Acquiring one of these time pieces would be pricesless especially since Mr. I. is still around to sign it. I was originally placed on a waiting list after it was determined that the jacket was a hard find. Hopefully, you’ll re-think your position on this. Mr. I. has been my mentor since 1974 when I first joined the Boys & Girls Club.

Ralph Porter’s (clubhouse Unit Director) motto used to be “nothing beats a failure but a try.”

Thank you for your consideration.

21 ===

Hi Claude. When are you going to get the postcards and calendars back in stock? Also, any plans on selling mugs? I know several folks who collect mugs and this would be a wonderful addition!

Thanks for the great line and information!!

22 ===

I greatly enjoy the historical aspects of Black Five. It seems it should be geared to all age groups no matter their background.

===

Wow!

I’m touched. And humbled.

And trust me I’m learning something. I think everyone is!

This is great.

Thank you.

(In case you want to comment on any of the above, I numbered the replies to make it easier. Thank you.)