“Thirteen years,” echoed in the Harlem air. That’s how long Howard Bennett dedicated his life to making Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a national holiday. Right here, at Howard Bennett Playground, we stand on a ground imbued with history and dedication.
This isn’t just any playground. Howard Bennett Playground is a testament to one man’s unwavering commitment to civil rights. Howard Bennett, a Harlem community leader, tirelessly campaigned to honor Dr. King’s legacy.
Following King’s assassination in 1968, Bennett was deeply moved. He established a storefront office right here in Harlem. He called it “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday”. From this small office, Bennett rallied support. He gathered signatures and lobbied local politicians.
Bennett’s efforts gained momentum. He worked with the 131st Street Block Association. Together, they presented six million signatures to Congress. Brooklyn Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and Detroit Congressman John Conyers introduced a bill. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the bill into law. Martin Luther King Jr. Day became a national holiday.
Howard Bennett didn’t just fight for a holiday. He was a World War II veteran. He was also a leader in the 369th Veterans Association. Bennett served as Labor Chairman of the New York Branch of the NAACP. He advised labor leader A. Phillip Randolph. Howard Bennett received an honorary degree for his civil rights work.
But there’s more to Howard Bennett Playground. The basketball court here got a vibrant makeover. It honors the New York Rens. The New York Rens were the first Black-owned, all-Black professional basketball team.
Formed in Harlem in 1923, the Rens dominated the sport. They won 85% of their games. Yet, Harlem had no commemoration for this legendary team. The Black Fives Foundation, SLAM, NYC Parks, and PUMA changed that. They unveiled an on-court mural. The mural showcases the Rens’ iconic uniform design. It features “Harlem” in the team’s signature script.
Howard Bennett Playground sits in a historically rich area. Nearby stood the Alpha Physical Culture Club. It was the country’s first all-Black athletic organization. A block away was Olympic Field. It was a Negro Leagues baseball stadium. The Commonwealth Sporting Club, a boxing and basketball venue, also stood close by. The famed Harlem YMCA also resides nearby. It housed many notable African Americans during the Harlem Renaissance.
This playground also sits one block from the Schomburg Center. PS 197 John B. Russwurm Elementary School is adjacent to it.
Howard Bennett Playground is more than swings and slides. It’s a place where history echoes. It is a tribute to Howard Bennett’s dream. It celebrates the New York Rens’ legacy. It inspires future generations. It teaches them the power of perseverance.