Chicago Black Hawks (American football) facts for kids
The Chicago Black Hawks were a professional football team from the late 1920s and early 1930s. What made them special was that all their players were African Americans. The team was started in 1928 by a talented football player named Fritz Pollard. He was not only the owner and coach, but also played as the team's quarterback and running back. The Black Hawks played against other teams around Chicago and even traveled to the West Coast for games.
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The Chicago Black Hawks Football Team
Who Were the Black Hawks?
The Chicago Black Hawks were formed in 1928 by Fritz Pollard, a very important figure in early American football. Pollard was a pioneer, being one of the first African American professional football players and coaches. With the Black Hawks, he created a team made up entirely of African American players. This was a time when many sports teams were segregated, meaning players of different races did not often play together. The Black Hawks showed great skill and determination on the field.
Challenges and Changes
The Black Hawks played many games in and around Chicago. They often competed against teams made up of white players. One of their most successful strategies was to play special exhibition games on the West Coast during the winter. These games helped them gain more attention and success. However, the team faced big challenges. Not many people came to watch their games, which meant less money for the team. Also, the Great Depression hit the country hard. This was a time in the 1930s when many people lost their jobs and money, making it difficult for sports teams to survive.
The Team Disbands
Because of low attendance and the tough economic times, the Chicago Black Hawks had to play most of their games away from home. They traveled a lot, especially to the West Coast. Sadly, the team eventually disbanded in 1932 while they were playing games on the West Coast. Even though the team stopped playing, Fritz Pollard continued his work in football. In 1936, he started another team called the Harlem Brown Bombers, continuing to promote African American talent in the sport.
