Church of Scientology Hosts Event in Honor of Black History Month
Black legends from the early years of basketball were honored during a special ceremony at the Nashville Church of Scientology during Black History Month.
- (1888PressRelease) February 25, 2013 - To appropriately honor legends who not only acted as goodwill ambassadors to the world but who paved a way for diversity in America, an event was held at the Church of Scientology. Participants looked at basketball's past as well as its future in Tennessee.
In a collaborative project between City Hoops and the Black Legends of Professional Basketball Foundation, the ceremony held on February 16 was a momentous occasion. First, City Hoops was launched. City Hoops is an "initiative designed to place basketball hoops in various parts of Nashville so youth will have a place to go, put down their cell phones and develop real social skills, healthy bodies and a strong community," according to www.NashvilleCityHoops.org.
Dr. John "Jumpin Johnny" Kline, himself a Harlem Globetrotter in the 1950s and founder of The Black Legends of Professional Basketball Foundation in the 1990s was behind the event, exhibiting historical pamphlets, posters and pictures from 1900 - 1960 of players and games in the church's atrium for a week.
Pastor of the Church of Scientology Rev. Brian Fesler said, "We're honored to host this event and exhibit in our church. It's been a great learning experience working with Dr. Kline and we're looking forward to planting some hoops around town with the City Hoops project."
Performances by the Junior Esquires, the Interfaith Celebration Choir and a hip hop number by Eldridge Askins started the show. These were followed by Fox 17's Toni Fitzgerald moderating a discussion between Dr. Kline, Askins and Pastor Enoch Fuzz. Each spoke passionately about how the history of the black players impacts basketball today as well as how meaningful it will be to bring a semi-pro league to Tennessee and help the youth of today get more fit by providing hoops in neighborhoods around the city.
The ceremony was organized in a joint partnership between Dr. Kline; Pastor Fuzz of Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church; Rev. Fesler and Askins, founder of the United Amputee Basketball Association Inc., amongst others.
More information is available at www.NashvilleCityHoops.org.
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