Grandson of the ‘Father of Black Basketball‘ Hosts Book Signing and Discussion on the Legacy of Dr. Edwin B. Henderson
via Press Release, Position Sports
SPRINGFIELD, MASS. (September 17, 2024) – The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced a
special event celebrating the legacy of Dr. Edwin B. Henderson, known as the “Father of Black
Basketball,” on Saturday, September 21 from 1:00-4:00 PM ET in the Hall of Fame Theater. Dr.
Henderson’s contributions to basketball and his role in breaking down racial barriers in sports, which
led to his enshrinement in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013, will be honored in a visit
and book signing by his grandson, Edwin B. Henderson II.
The event is free of charge to museum guests.
Born to parents who had been enslaved, Dr. Edwin B. Henderson rose to academic and athletic
prominence, attending such prestigious institutions as Howard University, Columbia University, and
Harvard University, where he discovered the power and influence of basketball via a unique
friendship with basketball’s inventor, James Naismith.
Dr. Edwin B. Henderson was the first African American male to be certified to teach the subject of
physical education in the nation’s public schools. He worked to introduce and grow basketball within
Black communities, establishing the first Black athletic league while devoting his entire life to
establishing opportunities and scholarships for young Black athletes and continually advocating for
civil rights both on and off the court.
“We are honored to welcome Edwin B. Henderson II to the Hall of Fame,” said John L. Doleva,
President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “Dr. Henderson was a true pioneer in
basketball, recognizing early on the potential of Naismith’s great game to elevate and showcase the
high level of athletic talent among young African American men. In addition to introducing the game
to Black communities, his vision and perseverance laid the foundation for Black players’ participation
in many organized sports in the future. Dr. Henderson’s legacy demonstrates the significant
influence one individual can have on a sport and on society as a whole, and we are honored to
share his story with our guests.”
Edwin B. Henderson II will present his book, “The Grandfather of Black Basketball: The Life and
Times of Dr. E. B. Henderson,” offering an in-depth look at Dr. Henderson’s life and his impact on
sports and civil rights. Attendees will get the unique opportunity to hear directly from Dr. Henderson’s
grandson about his legacy, learning how he paved the road for Black athletes and impacted the
landscape of organized sports.
About the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Basketball
Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving,
and celebrating the game of basketball at every level – men and women, amateur and professional
players, coaches, and contributors, both domestically and internationally. The Hall of Fame museum
is home to more than 450 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Nearly
200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame museum each year to learn about the game, experience the
interactive exhibits, and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo “Court of Dreams.” Best known for its
annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game’s elite, the Hall of Fame also operates
over 70 high school and collegiate competitions annually throughout the country and abroad. For
more information on the Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum, and events, visit
hoophall.com, follow @hoophall, or call 1-877-4HOOPLA.
