MIES (Switzerland) - Founded in 1926 in Chicago by Abe Saperstein, the Harlem Globetrotters were created as a team of Black players at a time when segregation prevented African Americans from joining mainstream commercial leagues.
Originally known as the Savoy Big Five, the team was renamed the Harlem Globetrotters in honour of the New York neighbourhood considered as one of the most prominent Black cultural hubs in the country.
The team travelled across the country, playing exhibition games where they showcased basketball talent and comedic flair. They then reached international audiences, becoming global ambassadors of the sport and playing a key role in promoting basketball worldwide on the iconic jazz tune "Sweet Georgia Brown" by Brother Bones.
Their groundbreaking and unique story aroused the interest of many and was brought to the big screen twice in the early 1950s.
The Harlem Globetrotters (1951), directed by Phil Brown and Will Jason, follows the fictional journey of Billy Townsend, a college player joining the iconic exhibition team. Throughout the movie, Billy travels across the country and faces discrimination, criticism, and injustice. Yet through intense games, guidance from his teammates, and increasing self‑discipline, Billy grows into a genuine team player, securing both his and the team’s future and legacy.
Go, Man, Go! (1954) is the second movie of the team. The film delves into the Globetrotters’ origins, starring Dane Clark as Abe Saperstein and a young Sidney Poitier as Inman William "Big Jack" Jackson. This film explores the beginnings of the team and showcases their struggle to overcome discrimination.
These two iconic films highlight the racial tensions of the early 20th century and effectively portray the challenges faced by African American players at the time. It was a significant period for the Harlem Globetrotters, then considered one of the best teams in the world.
Therefore, these historical pieces have logically found their place in the Cinema and Basketball exhibition currently displayed at the FIBA Headquarters.
The Harlem Globetrotters represent more than basketball; they embody progress in racial equality. Their humour, skill, and resilience continue to inspire audiences, drawing families and children to games worldwide.
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About the FIBA Foundation
The FIBA Foundation is the social and legacy arm of FIBA that addresses the role of sports, particularly basketball in society, preserving and promoting basketball’s values and its cultural heritage.
FIBA’s cultural heritage is the heart of the FIBA Foundation’s cultural and historical activities. It is one of the driving forces behind the promotion and dissemination of FIBA’s values.