Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2024

Publication Title

Virginia Magazine of History & Biography

Volume

132

Issue

2

Pages

107-152

Abstract

This article explores the history of integrated college basketball in the United States, with a focus on the Virginia Union Panthers. The Panthers, known as the "Dream Team," broke the color barrier in college basketball in the 1930s and 1940s. The article also discusses the 1992 U.S. Men's Olympic Basketball Team, known as the "Dream Team," and its impact on race relations. It argues that the original Dream Team was actually the Virginia Union Panthers, who symbolized the defeat of white supremacy through athletic achievement. The article highlights the challenges faced by historically black college sports, such as lack of resources and issues like open graft and unruliness. However, the CIAA and its member schools worked towards improving the respectability of black college athletics. The article emphasizes the success and impact of the Virginia Union University basketball team, known as the "Dream Team," in breaking down racial barriers and inspiring future generations. It also discusses the achievements and challenges faced by the 1942 Virginia Union Panthers basketball team, highlighting the importance of fair and clean athletics in black college sports. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive look at the history of integrated college basketball and the contributions of the Virginia Union Panthers.

Rights

© 2024 Virginia Historical Society.

Included with the kind written permission of the publisher and the author.

Original Publication Citation

Chiles, M. T. (2024). Prince basketball's ambassadors: Virginia Union's "Dream Team" and the origins of integrated college basketball, 1938-42. Virginia Magazine of History & Biography, 132(2), 107-152.

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