Modern Remix

A combination of increased media coverage, renewed interest from NBA teams and players, and unique merchandising have created a growing awareness and appreciation of the pre-1950 history of pioneering African American basketball teams, players, and contributors.

Replica peach basket, etc.

Spalding | Replica of 1890s peach basket | Wood, metal

Converse Rubber Company | Wooden Converse shoe crate, branded with the company’s logo | Ca. 1910s | Wood

Physical Culture Supply Co. | Reproduction 1912-13 “Alpha Physical Culture Club” jersey, Archie Thomas, #1 | 2003 | Polyester, felt, chenille

Converse | Reproduction of 1933 Converse All Star leather basketball shoe, using exact last and specifications of the actual 1933 footwear the company originally used to outfit the New York Rens team | 2008 | Leather, rubber, cotton

Nike Black Fives Limited Edition Retro Shoes

Nike Black Fives Limited Edition Retro Shoes

Nike, Inc. | Nike Black Fives Limited Edition Retro Shoes, “Smart Set Athletic Club Vandal High Leather LE” footwear | 2006 | Leather, rubber, cotton 

Nike, Inc. | Nike Black Fives Limited Edition Retro Shoes, “St. Christopher Club Vandal High Leather Premium” footwear | 2006 | Leather, rubber, cotton

Nike, Inc. | Nike Black Fives Limited Edition Retro Shoes, “Alpha Physical Culture Club Vandal High Leather Premium” footwear | 2006 | Leather, rubber, cotton

Nike, Inc. | Nike Black Fives Limited Edition Retro Shoes, “Harlem Rens Dunk High Leather Premium” footwear | 2006 | Leather, rubber, cotton

New York Rens jersey

Physical Culture Supply Co. | Reproduction 1938-1939 “New York Rens” jersey, John Isaacs #6 | 2003 | Polyester, felt

Ceramic bobblehead doll

Ceramic bobblehead doll commemorating William “Pop” Gates | Ca. 1980s | Ceramic
Ceramic bobblehead doll commemorating John "Boy Wonder" Isaacs | Ca. 1980s | Ceramic Reproduction pennants
Reproduction Washington 12th Streeters pennant with "1910 Basket Ball 12 Street Washington World’s Champs" | 2003 | Felt

Reproduction New York Rens pennant with phrases "Harlem’s Own" and "Fun, Dancing, Frolic!" that appeared on the Renaissance Casino exterior | 2003 | Felt

Proclamation, “Black Fives Day,” February 10, 2013

Proclamation, “Black Fives Day,” February 10, 2013, Office of the Mayor of the City of New York | 2013

Mayor Michael Bloomberg declared February 10, 2013, “Black Fives Day” for the City of New York, in celebration of the Barclays Center’s permanent installation of mural-sized images of historic Brooklyn-based African American basketball teams and players provided by the Black Fives Foundation. John Rhea, President of the New York City Housing Authority, presented the proclamation on behalf of the Mayor at a center court recognition event during halftime of the NBA game between the Brooklyn Nets and the visiting San Antonio Spurs. More than forty descendants of Black Fives Era pioneers and their families attended the ceremony.

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