Northlands Park - Memories Worth Keeping

Harlem Globetrotters

The Harlem Globetrotters graced Northlands Park’s grounds on many occasions, entertaining people with both their basketball skills and goofiness, leaving a distinct imprint on Northlands Park’s entertainment history.

In 1926, the New York team debuted in Hinckley, Illinois. In those early days they were referred to as "basketeers" and represented a new face for the game, being that they were a professional sports team of African-American men that played any challenging teams—an uncommon characteristic at the time. This fact was intentionally made more prominent by the addition of ‘Harlem’ to the team’s official name in 1930. Despite racial tensions of the time, the Harlem Globetrotters were embraced by the American public, and later the world.

Guided by Abe Saperstein, the Globetrotters have toured extensively since their formation. The original entourage included Inman Jackson, Lester Johnson, and Walter Wright. Initially the team had played like many other athletes, but the year 1939 serendipitously revealed a new aspect to their game. While on the court one day, the team started to goof around—spectators loved their antics, and with Saperstein’s blessing the Globetrotter’s humorous charm became their signature.

By the 1950s, the Harlem Globetrotters were consistently touring North America and Europe. The Edmonton Exhibition Association (EEA), received correspondence from Saperstein as early as 1958, proposing that the team stop off to play at the Edmonton Gardens.

Eventually touring throughout the world, the Globetrotters went through multiple line-ups and to this day continue to promote a socially aware and fun-filled spirit.

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