The Harlem Globetrotters were formed in Chicago in 1926, the hometown of all the original players. They got their start as the “Savoy Big Five,” playing exhibition games at the Savoy Ballroom before the dancing began. The idea was to raise attendance at the ballroom, which was losing customers.
In 1928, several players on the Savoy Big Five roster left to form a new team they called the “Globe Trotters,” and went on a tour of southern Illinois that year. Their talent brought them to the attention of Abe Saperstein, who became the team’s manager and promoter. The name “Harlem” was added to the name because Harlem was the heart of Black American culture at the time.
The team almost always played in the World Professional Basketball Tournament, which they won in 1940. In 1948, they made history by beating the all-white Minnesota Lakers (known today as the Los Angeles Lakers).
Today, the team has both non-Black and female players, and though they almost always win, the games are not “rigged.” Their opponents don’t interfere with the fun, but the game is a real contest. A review says:
“It was theatrical, energetic and full of heart and humour . . . hilarious family-friendly fun for all.”
The Globetrotters will be at the Toyota Center Tri-Cities in Kennewick on February 1. Events like this are frequently advertised with colorful advertising made by organizers using poster printing.