THE NORTH RIDING PROJECT

Inspired by the success of white novelty teams, including the Hillbillies, who wore overalls and straw hats, black promoter Charlie Henry organized the Zulu Cannibal Giants in the mid-1930s, featuring players clad in grass skirts, headdresses, and war paint.  Pandering to white America’s worst attitude and most stereotypical views of blacks, the players entertained fans between games with various “comedy” acts including staged fights with spears and shields along with a crap game featuring loaded dice and players brandishing razors.

Lanctot/Negro

ATLANTA BLACK CRACKERS

BALTIMORE BLACK SOX

BROOKLYN BROWN DODGERS

INDIANAPOLIS CLOWNS

NEW ORLEANS BLACK PELICANS

NEW YORK CUBANS

PHILADELPHIA BLACK METEORS

various