Join the History Center’s African American Program for the ninth annual Black History Month lecture.
Discover the lesser-known history of Black basketball’s trailblazing teams, players, and coaches at “The Black Fives: The Epic Story of Basketball’s Forgotten Era with Claude Johnson,” on Friday, Feb. 17.
Presented by the History Center’s African American Program, this in-person program will be led by Claude Johnson, the founder of the Black Fives Foundation, who spent decades researching Black basketball history and its impact for his book, “The Black Fives: The Epic Story of Basketball’s Forgotten Era.”
Very little popular acknowledgement has been afforded to Black basketball teams and leagues that played prior to the integration of the National Basketball Association. While the history of Negro League baseball is more widely known, few realize that Black basketball leagues existed at the same time. Some of the legendary teams from Western Pa. included Pittsburgh’s Monticello Athletic Association, Scholastic Athletic Association, and the Loendi Big Five.
Johnson will sign copies of his book following the lecture and answer audience questions.
Admission
This is a free in-person event, but advance registration is required.