For 100 years, the Harlem Globetrotters have used the game of basketball to lift spirits, strengthen communities, and unite the world - on and off the court.
Since 1951, when the U.S. State Department first honored the Harlem Globetrotters as “Ambassadors of Goodwill,” the team has carried a mission that reaches far beyond the court. From visiting orphanages in post-war Europe to lifting children’s spirits in hospitals, schools, and local neighborhoods around the world, every generation of Globetrotters has stood for joy, compassion, and community.
How We Are Spreading Goodwill
Today, that legacy continues through the Goodwill Ambassadors Initiative, focused on three core pillars - Health & Wellness, Education, and Community Empowerment. Whether inspiring young people to dream, supporting families in need, or uniting communities through acts of kindness, the Harlem Globetrotters remain dedicated to making a meaningful impact everywhere the red, white, and blue travels.
National Archives and Harlem Globetrotters Family Day
The National Archives hosted a special Family Day with the Harlem Globetrotters. The event was in conjunction with the National Archives exhibit All American: The Power of Sports. With its nearly 100-year storied history, the Globetrotters embody the power that sports has on breaking barriers, bringing people together, instilling pride and hope. As part of the family event, Globetrotter players discussed the history of the brand, showcased their unique basketball skill and spoke on the importance of civic engagement.
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US State Department Sports Diplomacy: U.S.Malaysia Sports Envoy
The Harlem Globetrotters joined other professional athletes for the US Sports Envoy in Malaysia. This program. Globetrotter players engaged youth for a weeklong program Sports in Enhancing and Promoting Authentic Diversity (SEPADU). The players led basketball clinics, skill demonstrations and speaking engagements in Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu. They spoke with youth associations and media to demonstrate how sports can be a positive outlet for potential at-risk youth.
