Robert L. "Bob" Douglas (November 4, 1882 – July 16, 1979)

Bob Douglas was the founder of the New York Renaissance basketball
team. Nicknamed the "Father of Black Professional Basketball", Douglas
owned and coached the Rens from 1923 to 1949, guiding them to a record
of 2,318-381 (.859). He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a
contributor in 1972, becoming the first African-American to be elected.

New York Times, 1939

Ross Simpson

1953

Henry Louis "Hank" Aaron ("Hammer") is 81 years old today

After learning to play baseball by hitting bottle caps with sticks he found
in the street, Hank  Aaron led his high school team to the Mobile Negro
High School Championship two consecutive years.

1954