Kings of Harlem

KINGS OF HARLEM, Layon Gray's acclaimed Off-Broadway play about the Harlem Rens Professional Basketball Team. WHO WERE THE RENS? The Harlem Rems were a dominate All-African American Basketball team from the 20’s and 30’s. They made history by winning 112 games one season and losing only seven. They got their name from playing at the Renaissance Casino ballroom in Harlem, New York, where they amazed fans with their innovative and unique style of play. It was the first ballroom in New York that was owned and operated by African Americans. They toured the country competing against black and white teams, and in the process, compiled the most impressive winning streak in Basketball history. In 1963, the entire team was inducted into the Professional Basketball Hall of Fame.