In 1939 A team of hard playing black men from Harlem faced a fiercely competitive white team from Chicago in a game that would forever change the face of basketball and America. This is the story of The Harlem Rens, America's first all-black professional basketball team. The Rens rose to fame during a time when jazz was the soul of Harlem and basketball was its heartbeat. When a home court doubled as a dance hall and was shared with some of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. On the Shoulders of Giants showcases the personal stories and histories of the most famous icons of this era, tracing their lasting influence into the 21st century to those who were inspired by this astounding outburst of creative energy known throughout the world as the Harlem Renaissance.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar , basketball legend and best selling author, invites us to witness the Harlem Renaissance as he shares his lifelong passion for the legends that inspired him to greatness. Through his eyes, we will go back to a time when basketball and jazz were the embodiment of black America. A time filled with celebrated giants like Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughan, and Joe Louis.