The Globetrotters are Back!

The year was 1948, and the all-Black Harlem Globetrotters were facing the all-white Minneapolis Lakers in an exhibition game. But this event was much more than just a regular game. At this time, the general perception of Black athletes was that they were not nearly as skilled as white athletes. The trailblazing Globetrotters put an all-Black team on the court for the first time, breaking the color barrier, winning the game in dramatic fashion, 61-59. They made a huge statement and at the time, changed the public’s opinion of Black athletes.

The Harlem Globetrotters, established in 1926, are a staple not only in American history but also in world history as their significance goes well beyond their colorful playing style. Over years, the team has continued to be popular and relevant by recruiting skilled, flashy players—and now women players, too—to fit the team’s style.

Though the Globetrotters have not played in a game since March of 2020 due to the pandemic, on October 25th, the team announced their return the day after Christmas as they participate in the “Spread Game Tour.” In the meantime, they will not play any games for the remainder of this year but rather travel to different arenas for strictly entertainment purposes such as fan meet-ups and basketball-related performances.

Jon Hernandez, a resident of Canarsie for almost 40 years, was excited when he heard the news. He began following the team in the 1970s and 1980s when Globetrotter games began being broadcast on television and more and more people watched and followed the team. “When I moved to New York, one of the first things I knew that I needed to do was go watch the Globetrotters live,” he said.

The Globetrotters have taken a step into television and are teaming up with Snoop Dogg for a sitcom set to release sometime in 2022. Jay Gordillo, who resides in Queens with his family, is not a huge fan of sports but was intrigued when finding out about the upcoming series. “Obviously, I’ve heard of the Globetrotters, but I honestly don’t know too much about the team itself,” he admitted. “I am, however, a huge fan of hip-hop and would probably be willing to give the show a chance.”

Shivanan Ramdass, a Queens resident, says he first started following the Globetrotters at a young age after seeing their flashy moves, dribbles and finishes at the rim. He looks forward to watching the Globetrotters back on the court this holiday season. “I’m only 20, and I understand the significant historical impact they had on the sport of basketball,” he said. “If it wasn’t for them, I might not be enjoying the games every day.”

As a young person who enjoys visiting street parks and playing pickup basketball during the year, Ramdass realizes how much of an impact the Globetrotters have had on his own game. “Sometimes I even try to perform those flashy dribbles and passes and really stand out on the court,” he said. “Without seeing the players do it, I probably would not have even attempted to spin a ball on my finger for the first time.”