Monticello Athletic Association
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In 1911, Cumberland Posey formed an all-Black basketball team called the Monticello Athletic Association.
Posey was a local multi-sport star who had led Homestead High School to the city basketball championship and who had earned respect on Pittsburgh’s tough, blue-collar sandlot playgrounds.
When the Monticells quickly outgrew local white competition, Posey challenged the previous year’s Black national champion, Howard University, to visit the Smoky City for “the first colored game ever played in Pittsburgh.”
The Monticellos were considered “a huge joke” by Howard, who thought they would show the steel town “just how basketball is played in polite circles”.
However, the Monticellos crushed Howard, and the victory put Pittsburgh on the Black basketball map, earning the Monticello Athletic Association the Colored Basketball World’s Championship for 1911-12.
The success of the Monticello Athletic Association paved the way for other African American teams in Pittsburgh and elsewhere, by showing that any team from any city could produce a champion with enough desire and determination.
A portion of net proceeds from the sales of our Black Fives assortment will benefit the The Black Fives Foundation, which works to inspire excellence by preserving, teaching, and honoring the pre-NBA history of African Americans in basketball.
Highlights
- Legendary Comfort™
- A portion of net proceeds donated to Black Fives Foundation
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FAQs
How does HOMAGE gear fit?
HOMAGE gear is designed for relaxed, easygoing comfort and runs true to size. Made from a soft cotton blend, pieces may shrink slightly after washing, so we recommend washing cold and tumble drying low to maintain the perfect fit. Need a hand? Check our Size Guide for tips.
What is Legendary Comfort™?
Legendary Comfort™ is the soft, all-day feel that makes HOMAGE gear unlike anything else. Every piece is designed to look, feel, and wear like a vintage favorite, giving you the perfect mix of buttery softness, timeless style, and fan-inspired nostalgia. From tees to jackets and everything in between, HOMAGE delivers comfort and style built for fans who live for the game, the team, and the moment.
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We provide refunds and exchanges up to 60 days after the original purchase date for orders within the United States, and up to 30 days for orders outside of the United States. Refunds are credited to the card used in the original transaction. Duties and fees paid on orders will not be refunded.
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Every piece is designed with vintage-inspired fabrics, classic graphics, and timeless details that honor the icons and moments you love. From retro team logos to throwback pop culture designs, our gear is all about bringing memories to life through style, making HOMAGE apparel soft, nostalgic, and fan-approved.