On the Shoulders of Giants (2011) Synopsis

On the Shoulders of Giants (the story of the greatest team you never heard of), is a film created by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar that will be released nationwide through Video on Demand on the major cable companies during February 2011. It will also be shown in high schools throughout the country during Black History month.In 1939 the world of professional basketball was segregated. Colored teams could compete against white teams, but could not vie for championships or belong in the same leagues. Preeminent among those teams was the Harlem Renaissance Big Five, or more commonly known as the The Harlem Rens (the greatest basketball team you never heard of). They were the best of the black teams, yearning for a chance at a national championship. The Harlem Rens not only beat tremendous odds - from pervasive racism to the Great Depression but they also managed to become world champions, defeating every other team (including the best white teams) for this coveted title. They evolved into role models for black America during their time. Unlike other black champions of the time, such as Jesse Owens or Joe Louis, who are still well-known and continue to serve as an inspiration to several generations of black Americans, the Rens remain relatively unknown and their story untold to broader audiences. On The Shoulders of Giants hopes to revive this important piece of black history and make sure that all people have African American heroes to look to up to and admire. The film will be accompanied by a high school level educational program developed by the Skyhook Foundation, established by Mr. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The study guide developed for this program is endorsed by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and supported by UCLA for distribution to social studies teachers nationwide. The aim of the study guide is to increase knowledge and awareness among U.S. high school students of the impact of the Harlem Renaissance and its leading figures in sports, music, literature and history. For more information please visit: www.kareemabduljabbar.com/film

On the Shoulders of Giants (the story of the greatest team you never heard of), is a film created by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar that will be released nationwide through Video on Demand on the major cable companies during February 2011. It will also be shown in high schools throughout the country during Black History month.In 1939 the world of professional basketball was segregated. Colored teams could compete against white teams, but could not vie for championships or belong in the same leagues. Preeminent among those teams was the Harlem Renaissance Big Five, or more commonly known as the The Harlem Rens (the greatest basketball team you never heard of). They were the best of the black teams, yearning for a chance at a national championship. The Harlem Rens not only beat tremendous odds - from pervasive racism to the Great Depression but they also managed to become world champions, defeating every other team (including the best white teams) for this coveted title. They evolved into role models for black America during their time. Unlike other black champions of the time, such as Jesse Owens or Joe Louis, who are still well-known and continue to serve as an inspiration to several generations of black Americans, the Rens remain relatively unknown and their story untold to broader audiences. On The Shoulders of Giants hopes to revive this important piece of black history and make sure that all people have African American heroes to look to up to and admire. The film will be accompanied by a high school level educational program developed by the Skyhook Foundation, established by Mr. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The study guide developed for this program is endorsed by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and supported by UCLA for distribution to social studies teachers nationwide. The aim of the study guide is to increase knowledge and awareness among U.S. high school students of the impact of the Harlem Renaissance and its leading figures in sports, music, literature and history. For more information please visit: www.kareemabduljabbar.com/film

Published Time: 2021-01-12 11:43:48