Edwin Henderson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edwin Henderson
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Henderson in 1912
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Edwin Bancroft Henderson
November 24, 1883 Washington, D.C., US
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| Died | February 3, 1977 (aged 93) |
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| Spouse(s) | Mary Ellen Henderson |
Edwin Bancroft Henderson (born November 24, 1883 – died February 3, 1977) was an important American educator and a leader in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). He is often called the "Father of Black Basketball."
Henderson brought basketball to African Americans in Washington, D.C. in 1904. He was also Washington's first male African American physical education teacher. He might have been the first in the whole country. From 1926 until he retired in 1954, Henderson was in charge of health and physical education for Black schools in Washington D.C.
He was a great athlete and team player. Henderson taught physical education and organized sports events. He did this in Washington, D.C. and Fairfax County, Virginia. He wrote many letters to newspapers about important issues. Henderson also helped start the NAACP branch in Fairfax County. He was even the President of the Virginia NAACP twice in the 1950s.
Early Life and Family
Edwin Bancroft Henderson was born in Washington, D.C. on November 24, 1883. His father, William Henderson, was a day laborer. His mother, Louisa, taught him to read when he was very young. He spent summers in Falls Church, Virginia, where his grandmother lived.
Henderson went to Dunbar High School. Then he studied at the University of the District of Columbia (which was called Miner Normal School back then) and graduated in 1904. He later earned a bachelor's degree from Howard University. He also got a master's degree from Columbia University. He even earned a PhD in athletic training.
Henderson was the first Black man to receive a National Honor Fellowship. This was from the American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation.
He married Mary Ellen (Nellie) Meriwether Henderson (1886-1976). She was also a teacher and worked for civil rights. They moved to Falls Church, Virginia, in 1910. They were married for 63 years. They had two sons, Dr. James H. M. Henderson and Dr. Edwin M. Henderson.
His Career and Impact
After becoming a teacher in 1904, Henderson taught physical education for 50 years. During his summer breaks, he studied at Harvard University. There, he learned about the new game of basketball.
He brought basketball back to Washington, D.C. and taught it to young Black men. Soon, his teams were playing against teams from other cities. His D.C. teams won national basketball championships in 1909 and 1910.
Henderson played and coached basketball for many years. He also refereed football and baseball games. He helped create the first all-Black amateur athletic association in 1906. He also started the Eastern Board of Officials in 1905. This group trained many skilled African American referees.
He taught and inspired thousands of students in the Washington area. Famous people like Duke Ellington and Charles Drew were among them.
From 1926 to 1954, Henderson led physical education for Black children. This was during a time when schools were segregated (separated by race). He used sports to help students stay in school. He also used sports to teach good character.
During World War II, Henderson helped train Army recruits. In the 1940s, he also fought for civil rights. He wanted Black and White athletes to be able to compete together. He protested against places like the Uline Arena. This arena would not allow Black and White people to compete against each other. His efforts helped lead to integrated boxing in Washington, D.C.
Henderson wrote important books about African Americans in sports. His most famous book was The Negro In Sports (1939). He also co-wrote a handbook about organized sports for African Americans. This book was the first of its kind. He wrote articles for pioneering magazines like The Messenger and Crisis.
Beyond sports, Henderson and his wife fought against unfair housing and education rules. In 1915, their town passed a law to create segregated areas. Henderson and other community members formed the Colored Citizens Protective League. They wrote letters to fight this law.
Henderson and his wife were members of the NAACP. They asked to start a local NAACP chapter. In 1918, they formed the Fairfax County branch.
Dr. Henderson was also the President of the NAACP's Virginia Council from 1955 to 1958. This was a time when some leaders in Virginia tried hard to stop school desegregation. Henderson fought against these efforts.
He wrote more than 3,000 letters to newspapers. Most of his letters were about race relations. He wanted equality for African Americans. Today, a contest for students is held in his honor.
Death and Legacy
Edwin Bancroft Henderson died of cancer in 1977. He was 93 years old. He passed away at his son's home in Tuskegee, Alabama. He was buried with his wife in Woodlawn Cemetery.
During his life, Henderson received some awards. In 1972, Black Sports magazine called him "one of the foremost black Americans of all time." In 1974, he became a first member of the Black Athletes Hall of Fame. Other famous athletes like Joe Louis and Jackie Robinson were also honored.
After his death, more honors came. In 1982, a recreation center in Fairfax County was named after him. In 2002, a gymnasium in Falls Church was named in his honor. In 2005, the Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School was named after his wife. This was because of her fight for equal education.
In 1999, a memorial archway was built to honor the founders of the Colored Citizens Protective League. This group later became the first rural NAACP branch.
Since 1993, the Annual Tinner Blues Festival takes place in Falls Church. It celebrates music and recognizes local artists.
In 2013, Henderson was added to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. This is a very high honor in basketball. In 2018, the Library of Virginia honored him as one of its Strong Men and Women. In 2022, a building at the University of the District of Columbia was renamed after Henderson.
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Henderson in 1912
