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The Washington 12 Streeters were one of America’s earliest all-Black basketball teams, playing a critical role in the development of the sport among African Americans.
After learning basketball in a 1904 summer class at Harvard University, Black gym teacher Edwin B. Henderson became the first to introduce the game to African Americans on a widespread basis when he taught the sport to students in Washington, DC’s segregated colored public school system.
In 1909 Henderson used his former students to create a new team, sponsored by the local Twelfth Street Colored Y.M.C.A.
The “12 Streeters” featured former Amherst College All-American football halfback Edward Gray, Hudson Oliver, formerly with the Smart Set Athletic Club of Brooklyn, and Henderson himself. They won the 1909-10 Colored Basketball World Championship title with an undefeated season.
Henderson, known as the “Grandfather of Black Basketball,” would dedicate his life to physical education and civil rights causes, and was inducted in 1974 as a charter member of the Black Athletes Hall of Fame alongside Joe Louis, Leroy “Satchel” Paige, Bill Russell, Hank Aaron, and Muhammad Ali. In 2013, he was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
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: 4.7557697 / 5 from 3943 reviews.
The Washington 12 Streeters merchandise is praised for its quality, design, and feel. Customers appreciate the great graphics, soft and comfortable material, and perfect fit. However, there are mixed reviews regarding the sizing consistency.
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"Homage has really fallen off. The print quality is worse than a screen print I could do myself. Have several older shirts that were super high quality but not anymore. It’s shockingly bad. but will not be purchasing from homage again."
"Homage has really fallen off. The print quality is worse than a screen print I could do myself. Have several older shirts that were super high quality but not anymore. It’s shockingly bad. but will not be purchasing from homage again."
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"I love the quality of this shirt. I love the feel. I love how everything fits and the graphic is on point."
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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.
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