Church of Scientology Opens its Doors to Basketball Legends During Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, the Church of Scientology Nashville hosted a program on the roll of Black athletes from the early years of basketball.

The Church of Scientology of Nashville and the Black Legends of Professional Basketball Foundation co-organized a Black History Month program to honor African American athletes of the 1950s. The exhibit consisted of a collection of early-20th-century sports memorabilia in the Church’s atrium and opened on Feb. 7^th with a reception and meet-and-greet. It will be on display for one week in the church.  

The exhibit includes pamphlets, posters and photos from the early years of basketball (1900-1960), featuring the Harlem Globetrotters and the New York Rens.  The Black Legends of Professional Basketball Foundation was founded by Dr. John “Jumpin’ Johnny” Kline who played with the Harlem Globetrotters from 1953-1959.

Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Church of Scientology, says, “It is important to recognize the struggle and courage these early Globetrotters had. They were pioneers, and deserve to be honored for their place in the history of human rights as much as basketball.” 

The exhibit is displayed in the atrium of the Nashville Church of Scientology, 1130 8th Avenue South until Feb. 15^th. For more information, call Julie Brinker at 615-687-4600.