Swing, Batter Swing
The NFL Isn’t The Only League Remembering 100 Years: Commemorating The Centennial of the Negro National League
By Kia Lisby
Special Thanks to CTV Around The Diamond And News One Now
The establishment and journey of the Negro National League began on February 13, 1920, in Kansas City, MO. In the era of Jim Crow laws, segregation prevented colored players from receiving adequate treatment and equal pay compared to their white counterparts. The mistreatment led Hall of Famer Andrew “Rube” Foster, to gather, meet with and lead eight independent Black Baseball team owners to form what we know as the Negro National League (NNL). https://www.fosterslegacy.com/
Dwayne Renal Sims
This year marks the 100-year anniversary of the Negro National League. To commemorate the milestone, various celebrations and presentations will be held throughout the year beginning in February.
Founder and CEO of the Negro League Legends Hall of Fame, Inc. (NLLHOF), Dwayne Renal Sims, has a vision and passion for sharing untold stories in American Baseball History of Colored Professional and Negro Leagues. His efforts and collaborations with members inside and outside of the community have resulted in some of the events that will take place this year.
On February 11, NLLHOF will host a celebration and presentation at Publick Playhouse in Cheverly, MD with guests Dwayne Renal Sims, William Doug Foster, Jr. (great nephew of “Rube”), Cecilia Calloway & Camay Calloway (daughters of Cable “Cab” Calloway), and Negro League player, Sam Allen. For more information visit www.nllhof.org.
The NLLHOF partnership with Mayor Bowser (D.C.) will host a celebration and presentation Feb. 13 at Dunbar High School located at 101 N St N.W. Washington, D.C. with attendees including Dwayne Renal Sims, Dr. Bob Luke (Historian/Author), William Doug Foster, Jr., Cecilia Calloway, and Sam Allen.
Apple Carnegie Library, Historic Society of Washington, D.C. will have a private exhibit event honoring the Negro National League Centennial where attendants will learn how the NLLHOF and Historical Society of Washington, D.C., recognize the league as well as Kiamsha and Culture at home students participating in a Q&A presentation on Feb. 13. Visit https://www.apple.com/today/event/exclusive-negro-league-legends-hall-of-fame-021320/6626198268387166817/?cid=WWA-us-SHR-TAA_T for more information about the event.
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is having its 94th Annual Black History Luncheon at Washington Renaissance Hotel Feb. 22 with a presentation, author book signing, NLLHOF exhibit, and autograph signing of 100 commemorative baseballs. To purchase tickets and tables please visit https://asalh.org/.
On Aug. 8, the NLLHOF will host an East/West game of the century featuring college graduates and former MLB players wearing throwback uniforms. There will be an auto showcase, autograph baseball and book signings and memorabilia. These events will take place at Prince George’s County Stadium in Upper Marlboro, MD. Please visit www.nllhof.org for more information.
The Negro Southern League Museum celebrates its 5th anniversary Aug. 28 in Birmingham, AL. The NLLHOF will have an exhibit, book signing, and 100th commemorative baseball signing as well. For further details visit http://www.birminghamnslm.org/.
Save the date for September 23-27, when the ASALH hosts its 105th annual meeting and conference at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa in Montgomery, AL. The NLLHOF will be there with an exhibit, book signing, and 100th commemorative baseball signings. For more information call 202.238.5910 or visit https://asalh.org/.
Birmingham’s First Black Sidewalk Film Festival featuring Negro Leagues will be held on Aug. 29 in Birmingham, AL. The event will include the NLLHOF film, exhibit, book signing, and 100 commemorative baseball signings. Visit http://www.birminghamnslm.org/ for more details.
Prince George’s Suite is a media partner with Negro League Legends Hall of Fame, Inc. (NLLHOF) at Publick Playhouse Feb. 11
