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[African American Sports Magazine] [Upcoming Annual Induction Ceremony] [A Gathering of Eagles] [Golf Tournament] [WBC Files Chapt 7] [Carrying the Torch] [Hon. Barbara Lee - Honoring the 2004 AAESHOF Inductees] [Welcome to Nairobi!] [Don King Sues Disney & ESPN] [Joe Kapp Inducted]

HALL OF FAME NEWS

Final plans for our historic First Annual Induction Ceremony in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, are ongoing and scheduled for 2008. The event was previously postponed due to scheduling logistics between the athletes, the Millennium celebration scheduled for September 8, 2007, and the government. Some of Ethiopia’s greatest athletes will be inducted and many athletes and coaches are endorsing the event and eagerly awaiting our visit. "We applaud you for your interest in inducting Africans into the Hall of Fame and in bringing African-Americans from North America to Ethiopia to help instill in our youth the importance of discipline, nutrition, and fostering of relationships…and in demonstrating that African Americans care about their future," said Dr. Enawgaw Mehari. Mehari is president and founder of People to People, established in 1999 to help people in his native country. Today it has become a world wide organization. "You will find the Ethiopians will welcome you with open arms." To obtain more information about our visit to Ethiopia, subscribe to our African-American Sports Magazine. You may also visit our Web site calendar page, and watch this site for more specific information about traveling with us.

New York Induction Ceremony 2007

The AAESHOF's 2007 induction ceremony, held July 7th in Harlem, New York at the historic Alhambra Ballroom, paid tribute to nine history-making sports personalities, including the best hockey player in Canada during the 40s and 50s, Dr. Herbert Carnegie. This internationally known star of hockey was the most sought after for photos and autographs. The Canadian Broadcasting Company sent two camera crews to record Dr. Carnegie as he was inducted. He became the first Canadian athlete to be inducted into the African American Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame.

Founder and President Arif Khatib notes, "We went to Harlem in 2006 to see if we could make it in New York. After a very successful ceremony, we were asked to return in 2007." Although its custom is to move the ceremonies from city to city each year, the AAESHOF has been asked once again to return to New York. And because of the outpouring of support and appreciation, the AAESHOF has decided to establish New York as African American Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame one of its permanent sites. The next New York ceremony will be on Saturday, July 12, 2008. "We want these wonderful athletes and pioneers to hear the applause emanating from historic Harlem," Khatib said.

In addition to Dr. Carnegie, other inductees included former professional tennis player, Pancho Gonzales. Gonzales, inducted posthumously, was presented into the Hall by none other than internationally known artist, Leroy Neiman. Also inducted were Tony Oliva, one of the greatest baseball players ever, who played for the Minnesota Twins during the 60s; Ken Hudson, the first African American NBA referee; former NBA star, Tree Rollins; boxer Mark Breland; and former U.S. national champion and world record holder, Dr. Lillian Greene Chamberlain.

The AAESHOF honored two great Morgan State college football players from the late 40's who went on to become Lt. and Lt. Col. in the US Army, Eugene Evans and Eli Howard. Both of these soldiers were killed in action, in Korea and Vietnam respectively. They received the AAESHOF's Athlete/Military Award. The American Legion from Pelham, New York paid special tribute to these courageous soldiers at the ceremony.

The AAESHOF also honored Bobby Hunter with its Health and Wealth Award. Bobby is a playground legend in New York City, where he won Prep All-City honors and was an honorable mention All-American. Bobby is a former Globetrotter and the only team member truly hailing from Harlem.

Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Bill Daughtry, formerly with Madison Square Garden Network television sports; pregame host for the Knicks, Yankees and Mets; and current ESPN Radio (WEPN). Daughtry talked attendees through the star studded room as they met and heard from world class athletes who have made a difference in the lives of young people and their communities. We will see you again in New York next year! Mark your calendars now.

The Hall’s sports publication, African-American Sports Magazine, now in full color, has become the most sought after publication of its kind in America. The current issue features a story on Silas Simmons from the Negro Leagues, who passed away recently at 111. And you will want to read the inspiring story about Ethiopian track legend Abebe Bikila, among others. The magazine is only available by subscription and can be ordered on this Web site at http://www.afrosportshall.com. The subscription is $20.00 per year.

What The Readers Are Saying:

“I am absolutely amazed with the growth of this magazine. Your magazine was the subject of our classroom discussion and everyone was thanking me for locating such an incredible publication. It teaches our students about the rich history of our sports heroes that none of us had ever heard of. As a result we will subscribe for our entire school. Keep up the good work.

B. Rodgers, Milwaukee Wisconsin

“The last issue of the magazine was a killer for me! I have never heard of the Colored Hockey League and you brought it forth. There are many good articles, but I particularly enjoyed reading this one. Where do you get this information? Where has it been? This is the best subscription decision I have ever made. I will pass the word.

Benjamin Hollins, Los Angeles, California

“A friend of the library ordered your magazine and shared it with us. We are astounded! Is it possible to get back issues to stock our library? We would need to subscribe and receive at least 10 copes per issue. Please advise and keep delivering these incredible stories.

The Hall of Fame recently received support from Mannie Jackson, owner of the Harlem Globetrotters. The Hall in Harlem honored Mr. Jackson for his dramatic corporate turnaround by restoring the basketball team to its status as a global icon. “We welcome the opportunity to align ourselves with the AAESHOF,“ Jackson said. The work this organization is doing to preserve the rich history of ethnic sports heroes and the honoring of these athletes must be supported.”

The Hall of Fame is in the process of launching its Internet video broadcast network TheWorldSportsNet.com to broadcast and stream its induction ceremonies and other sporting events onto the Internet worldwide. “This is a pivotal time in the growth of the Hall, “said Arif Khatib, Founder and President. “In view of the economy, and our tremendous success to date, and the continued need for sponsors, we feel this is an excellent opportunity to put our product in the world’s market place.” The Hall is also developing a DVD of its past ceremonies to help raise funds for its operation and youth programs, which will be broadcast on the network and become part of a planned documentary. The first DVD will be available in coming months and can be purchased on the Web site when available. The DVD will have footage of the past induction ceremonies since 2002, and African Americans in the Olympics including the Hall’s celebration of 100 Years of African American’s participation in the Olympics (1904-2004).

Click on this link to see the videotaping of honorees and inductees receiving their rewards: Induction Ceremony

The Hall of Fame will hold its annual Bay Area Induction Ceremony at the Temple on the Hill in Oakland, California. Ten retired athletes from all sporting disciplines will be enshriened ; ten community leaders will be honored for their contribution to sports, education, or their communities.

The list of the class of 2008 in Oakland (Click on induction ceremony Home Page for complete details)

Hal Perry (Basketball)
Fred “The Hammer” Williamson
Chauncey Bailey (Wendell Smith Media Award)
Jimmy Johnson (Football)
George Carty (Track & Field)
Dr. Harry Edwards (Sports Activist)
Cherrie Sherrard (Track & Field)
Chuck Muncie (Football)

Other Honorees (not inductees):

Wil Hardee PG&E (Sense of Community Award)
Cassandra Borjon (Don Johnson Tennis Passion Award)
Bill Patterson (Youth Advocate Award)
C. Diane Howell Ph.D (Excellence In Business Award)
Cheryl Hills-Chambers Comcast (Sense of Community Award)

Gay Blair Cobb PIC (Education Award)
Kappa Alphas Youth Baseball Team (Special Honor)

Tim Silva Wells Fargo (Sense of Community Award)

Physical Fitness News:

As you may know, I am one of twenty Americans who serve on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Considering the present health crisis in America, and understanding that physical activity is a key ingredient to an overall healthy lifestyle, we are launching the first ever National President’s Challenge, a six week physical activity challenge designed to get America up and moving. Our theme is “A Healthier Nation: It’s Everyone’s Challenge!” Registration began on March 1^st and ends on April 3^rd. The official launch kicks off on March 20^th and ends May 15^th during National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.

I invite you to participate in the 2008 National President’s Challenge and also to encourage others to become more active and lead healthier lives. This national call to action for a healthier America is fun and it’s free!

Americans of all ages, backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to sign up and join the Challenge, be active at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, and record their activity on their personal activity tracking log for six weeks. The Challenge lets you chose from more than 100 different activities, so participants are sure to find at least one they can enjoy. If you need some inspiration, check for ideas from President’s Council members on ways they get their 30 minutes. Participation is completely free, and once you complete your six weeks of activities, you can download a free certificate of completion.

The Challenge is for both those who want to sign up and join as an individual, or for those who want to join with others. Joining as a group is a great way to get family, friends and co-workers motivated to be active, and there is no limit to how many groups participants can join. In the Partner Kit section, you can find the 2008 National President's Challenge Fact Sheet and Responses to most Frequently Asked Questions. It also explains how corporate and organizational leaders, principals, teachers, coaches and parents can form groups and challenge their constituents, employees, faculty, students, or families to lead more active and healthier lives! There is also information on Best Practices for Groups and Businesses and Tips for Schools. We also include a Sample Newsletter Blurb, How-to Media Guide for launching your own activities, News Release Template (just plug in and insert quotes about your specific event), posters of individual members that can be downloaded and printed, and a Web Button to add to your website as a link to presidentschallenge.org.

Governors and mayors are also encouraged to challenge their states, cities and towns to participate. In fact, the five states with the highest participation will receive special national recognition. In addition to recognizing individuals, groups, states, employers and organizations...schools will also receive recognition. When 35% of students at a school earn the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award at least two times in a school year, the school can become an Active Lifestyle Model School and each student and the school will be recognized.

Check out the interactive Map in the Results section which is constantly updated to keep track of how all the states are doing in the Challenge.

Once again, I invite you to participate in the National President's Challenge and to share the information, materials and resources with your friends, family members, colleagues, local organizations, non-profits, school systems, clubs, and county institutions during your participation in various educational campaigns, local meetings, conferences, recreation and athletic activities, and other events. Also, feel free to share the material, and consider adding a Web Button to your website and database.

Please find attached the 2008 National President's Challenge Fact Sheet, Responses to Most Frequently Asked Questions, How-to Media Guide, 200-word “Drop-in Article” About the Challenge, and News Release Template.

To view all detailed materials and resources, log onto: www.presidentschallenge.org.

For further questions, please Email the President’s Challenge program staff at:

preschal@indiana.edu, or call (800) 258-8146, Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm EST.

For media inquiries, contact:

Elizabeth Osborn

Tel: (202) 842-3600 ext. 257

Email: eosborn@hagersharp.com

Best regards,

Lillian Greene-Chamberlain, Ph.D.

Tel: (301) 589-6936

Email: LGC440@aol.com

The Philly Stars Negro League Baseball Bus Project

The history of Negro League Baseball is a crucial part of the history of the United States. Some years ago, Philadelphia community members worked to erect an historical marker, at Belmont and Parkside Ave, in tribute to the Philadelphia Stars and their contribution to Negro Leagues baseball. Later, a statue, park, and mural were added to pay tribute to the local Negro League team and this history.

This year, the Museum Project Committee is working towards refurbishing an authentic 1947 Flexible Clipper bus to serve as a traveling educational museum. The interior of the bus will be professionally designed to showcase Negro Leagues history through video, photos, artifacts, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits. It will be available for visits to schools and youth organizations, civic and church groups, and baseball franchises around the state.

Financial backing for this project is being sought from private and corporate sources, civic, charitable foundations, and governmental agencies, as well as through individual contributions. Your generous donation will help to deliver this important chapter in history to the young people of Philadelphia and beyond, and to keep the spirit of Jackie Robinson and the Negro Leagues alive for future generations.
Your help is appreciated.

       Kindly make checks payable to:   "Philadelphia Youth Organization"
                                                             (501c3 Non-Profit Organization)
                                                            6923 Ardleigh St./Phila.,PA 19119
                                                             Steve Bandura, Director
                                                            215.868.9137

Before leaving us, please check our site for some other interesting links. We value your questions, suggestions, and comments. Please send your concerns and comments to Bob Allen at Lhadd@aol.com.