In this episode of Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward, the team learns about the benefits of verse with Street Poets, reflects on their history as goodwill ambassadors, and surprises coach and mentor Chris “Handles” Franklin at his community event in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
In the episode “Slammin’ Street Ball,” airing on Saturday April 13 on NBC, the Globetrotters connect with Street Poets, a creative writing and performance program that offers a positive outlet for formerly incarcerated youth through poetry, rap, and spoken word. The team also reflects on their longstanding role as goodwill ambassadors, a recognition bestowed upon them by the U.S. State Department. This honor was earned after their 1951 trip to Berlin, where they played before their largest crowd ever—75,000 people at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium.
Additionally, the team pays tribute to coach and mentor Chris “Handles” Franklin by honoring him at his community event in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Franklin has been a significant figure in the Globetrotters’ world, and this episode recognizes his impact.
The Harlem Globetrotters have a rich history, dating back to their founding in 1926 on Chicago’s South Side. They began as the Savoy Big Five, performing basketball exhibitions before dances at the Savoy Ballroom. Over the years, they have played more than 26,000 exhibition games in 124 countries and territories, entertaining more than 148 million fans worldwide.
The team has broken down barriers, popularized basketball moves like the slam dunk and fast break, and pioneered the forward and point guard positions. They have also been pioneers in racial integration in sports, with their victories over the Minneapolis Lakers in 1948 and 1949 accelerating the integration of the NBA.
Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward airs on NBC at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 13, 2024.
