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The Smart Set Athletic Club of Brooklyn was founded in 1904 and is credited with assembling the first formally organized fully independent African American basketball team, which debuted in 1907. Later that year the team became a founding member of the Olympian Athletic League, along with the St. Christopher Club, the Alpha Physical Culture Club, and the Marathon Athletic Club of Manhattan.
Smart Set members came from a tight-knit clique of well-educated, affluent, “old-money” African Americans who resided in what was then the predominantly white Stuyvesant Heights section of Brooklyn.
These players weren’t just prima donnas – their complete dominance of other all-Black basketball teams earned them the nickname “The Grave Diggers.” The Smart Set Athletic Club won the Olympian Athletic League championship title during its only two seasons, and they also won the first two Colored Basketball World Championships, for 1907-08 and 1908-09.
The Smart Set Athletic Club is a great example of how a small group of people came together as pioneers to create a new reality in the face of adversity and obstacles, despite having no road map and no guidelines other than their unyielding passion and commitment toward creating camaraderie and inspiring new standards of social achievement through exercise and sports.
A portion of net proceeds from the sales of our Black Fives assortment will benefit the The Black Fives Foundation, which works to inspire excellence by preserving, teaching, and honoring the pre-NBA history of African Americans in basketball.
Highlights
Overall rating: 4.749345 / 5 from 1145 reviews.
The Smart Set Athletic Club of Brooklyn, founded in 1904, is celebrated for its pioneering role in African American basketball history. Customers appreciate the product's great design, soft and comfortable fabric, and high-quality material. The fit and feel of the product are highly praised, with many customers describing it as perfect. While some customers had differing viewpoints on size, the overall quality and look of the product are consistently commended.
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"The print quality is bad and the text appears "scratchy" in an unintentional way. It doesn't feel "vintage" like I've seen on other Homage shirts (like Pizza Planet). Rather, the screen print feels like an error -- like it was double printed or something. Disappointed. Support said this was intentional but I'm skeptical."
"Love the old school Dream logo merch. Got a tshirt and OutKast themed sweater."
"Love my shirt. It is soft and fits well. When I wear it, I remember seeing the rotating flying horse that we used t drive by."
"I have several Homage tee shirts and absolutely love them! They are so soft and comfortable and wash well. I highly recommend them!"
"Excellent service. Love these t shirts"
"Love the design of this shirt and the feel of the fabric is perfection!"
"Arrived as described and a day earlier than expected"
"I really like the logo and the colors on the shirt."
"This tshirt is so soft and comfortable. I wish you made more Penn State stuff. Sincerely, A Penn State Student who lives in Ohio. lol"
"My daughter LOVE the Chargers and Sully! She loves it so much! The material is soft and so comfortable"
HOMAGE gear is designed for relaxed, easygoing comfort and runs true to size. Made from a soft cotton blend, pieces may shrink slightly after washing, so we recommend washing cold and tumble drying low to maintain the perfect fit. Need a hand? Check our Size Guide for tips.
Legendary Comfort® is the soft, all-day feel that makes HOMAGE gear unlike anything else. Every piece is designed to look, feel, and wear like a vintage favorite, giving you the perfect mix of buttery softness, timeless style, and fan-inspired nostalgia. From tees to jackets and everything in between, HOMAGE delivers comfort and style built for fans who live for the game, the team, and the moment.
Yes! All of our gear is officially licensed, featuring authentic logos, colors, and designs from your favorite teams, shows, and franchises. You can shop confidently knowing you’re getting genuine, high-quality merchandise.
We provide refunds and exchanges up to 60 days after the original purchase date for orders within the United States, and up to 30 days for orders outside of the United States. Refunds are credited to the card used in the original transaction. Duties and fees paid on orders will not be refunded.
Every piece is designed with vintage-inspired fabrics, classic graphics, and timeless details that honor the icons and moments you love. From retro team logos to throwback pop culture designs, our gear is all about bringing memories to life through style, making HOMAGE apparel soft, nostalgic, and fan-approved.