Mark Johnson is an accomplished author and basketball historian who has dedicated almost three decades to researching and gathering information about the early years of basketball, particularly between 1930 and 1960.
He is the youngest son of Harlem Globetrotter/NBA Pioneer and Legend Andy Johnson, uncovered the untold history of the first black basketball players who went around the world, providing stories of NBA pioneers at a time when Black Americans were not entirely accepted into the NBA league. His expertise lies in understanding the integration of the NBA and tracing its journey toward becoming a global brand.
With an extensive knowledge of basketball history and a passion for unearthing untold stories, Mark Johnson has become a respected authority on the subject. His research sheds light on the integral role played by the Harlem Globetrotters in the early development of basketball and offers valuable insights into the journey of the NBA as it transformed into a global phenomenon.
Johnson seeks to educate readers and basketball enthusiasts about the lesser-known aspects of the sport's history, highlighting the cultural and social impact of basketball during its formative years. He recognized the team's ability to captivate audiences through entertaining and comedic performances, recognizing the importance of laughter and bringing people together during those times.
Through his father's lens of life, he saw a drastic need to talk about the price an athlete pays when institutions are not looking after their best interest. An advocate for young people, he created the Andy Johnson Foundation Inc. a (non-profit) to introduce sports history to the next generation while promoting education, career opportunities, equality, and social and economic change. He is a Philadelphia native and graduate of the SUNY at Old Westbury and holds a BS in Science. "Basketball Slave" has been the topic of numerous articles and featured on C-Span/Book TV and Slam magazine. Learn more about Mark Johnson and his work at http://www.originalharlemglobetrotters.com.or www.Andyjohnsonfoundation.com
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