The African American Experience 

Fencing Contest, Hansborough Recreation Center

Courtesy of New York City Parks Photo Archive, Neg. 18193. This fencing competition was part of a full day of athletic competition at the recreation center that also included gymnastics, boxing, basketball, and swimming races. The festivities were launched by a marching band. The recreation center, originally known as the 134th Street Natatorium, opened in 1925, and is notable for its decorative architecture. The facility was named in honor of John Rozier Hansborough Jr. (1907-1981), a former Parks recreational employee from 1929 to 1975, and Harlem community leader. Hansborough also broke the color barrier as one of the first two African Americans in the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials. In 1988, his widow Audrey S. Hansborough founded a conservancy in his memory that helps support the maintenance and management of Harlem's parks, playgrounds, and recreation centers.