Falls Church, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Dr. Edwin Bancroft Henderson (1883-1977)

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 27, 2021

1. Dr. Edwin Bancroft Henderson (1883-1977) Marker

Inscription. E.B. Henderson, whose pioneering work fostered African American participation in athletics early in the 20th century, lived in Falls Church from 1910 to 1965. After studying physical education at Harvard, he popularized basketball in his hometown of Washington, D.C., organized leagues and associations for Black athletes and referees, and wrote The Negro in Sports (1939). He helped organized the NAACP's first rural branch, in Falls Church, was president of the Virginia NAACP, and fought segregation in education, housing, and Public facilities. Known as the "Father of Black Basketball," he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.

Erected 2021 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number C-36.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.

Location. 38° 52.852′ N, 77° 10.531′ W. Marker is in Falls Church, Virginia. It is on South Maple Avenue just south of Gibson Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 304 S Maple Ave, Falls Church VA 22046, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area

and in Northern Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Plans to Fight the Ordinance (here, next to this marker); The ordinance passed… (here, next to this marker); In 2013 (here, next to this marker); Colored Citizens Protective League (here, next to this marker); Sears Kit Home (a few steps from this marker); Home of Mary Ellen Meriwether (Miss Nellie) and Dr. Edwin B. Henderson (EB) (a few steps from this marker); Betsy Read (1846-1895) (a few steps from this marker); Harriet Brice (1824 - 1913) (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Falls Church.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Henderson House (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. This historical marker was born from a state-led contest for school students to nominate deserving individuals who should receive markers. Kings Glen Elementary student Sullivan Massaro was one of five students to win. Massaro proposed the marker for Henderson and was on site for its dedication in November 2021.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 27, 2021

2. Dr. Edwin Bancroft Henderson (1883-1977) Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 740 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.