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BIOGRAPHY

Carl C. Green

Birthdate: February 14, 1934

Team: Harlem Globetrotters - Eastern League

Carl C.Green transitioned on June 25, 2023, lived a life that exemplified integrity, commitment, and service to his family, friends, and community. His legacy of love and leadership continues to impact those who knew him, marked by his unwavering dedication to build a stronger, more connected community.

 

A lifelong advocate for family values, Carl was known for his deep devotion to his loved ones. He was a pillar of strength, offering guidance, support, and love to his family, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family. His presence was a constant reminder of the importance of family bonds, and his commitment to those he cherished was a defining part of his character.

 

Carl also held a special place in the hearts of his friends and neighbors, who benefited from his generous spirit and tireless efforts to create a better world for those around him. Whether through acts of kindness, mentorship, or community involvement, Carl's actions consistently reflected his belief in the power of connection and unity. His home was a place where people found support, laughter, and a sense of belonging.

Carl Green was born on Valentine's Day, 1934 in Harlem, New York.  Carl has been a man about basketball and community for more then six decades. Coming from an era with limited NBA opportunities for Black players. His extraordinary hoop career began at the Junior High School level and extended to Benjamin Franklin H.S. where he made the New York All-City team.  That same year, he was named captain of the Herald-Tribune's Fresh Air Fund All-Star team.  During this period he also starred for the Harlem Boys Club, the Harlem YMCA Juniors team, which compiled a 25-1 record, and was inducted into the Amsterdam News High School  "Hall of Fame".

Carl played one season for the incomparable Clarence "Big House" Gaines at Winston-Salem State University and was named to the All-C.I.A.A. team in 1953 before withdrawing from school and joining the world famous Harlem Globetrotters in 1954.  That team, which was coached by the legendary Hall of Famer, William "Pops" Gates, (of the New York Rens) was considered by hoop afficionados to be the best team in the country.

As an Ambassador of Good Will with the Globetrotters, he would tour Europe taking him to 15 Countries and 62 cities. After five seasons with the Globetrotters the many-dimensional Green moved on to play in the Eastern League where he became a nine year icon.  He starred for several teams, Williamsport, Allentown, Scranton and Asbury Park. In the late 1960's Carl coached NBA Players at the renowned Rucker Basketball Tournament.  

For the last 55 years with love for his community and commitment to the youth, Carl has served as Chairman of the Board of Our Children's Foundation Inc. in Harlem, New York. Servicing thousands of children and families through the years at no cost to the families.  Our Children's Foundation is dedicated to the developement of the child in the context of family and community and are instilled with a hunger for knowledge, respect for self and others.

Following his outstanding basketball career Carl put his business acumen behind several successful companies including owning a Custom Tailoring Business, the Wilt-Green Properties (with fellow hoop great Wilt Chamberlain). Known affectionately to his friends as "Los" he retired as president of Los Properties Inc., a New York City based company in 1998.

Through the years Carl has amassed numerous prestigious awards and honors. On February 13, 2015 a Congressional Proclamation by Charles B. Rangel,Dean,New York Congressional Delegation and A New York City Council Citation from Inez E. Dicken, Council Member.  His latest honor was a NY EMMY AWARD On May 2, 2015 in which Carl Green was acknowledge for his contribution on a documentary on Arise TV News Special, The Game Changer, How The Harlem Globetrotters Battled Racism.     

Beyond his personal relationships, Carl was a passionate community leader. His efforts culminated in the co-naming of a street in his honor-Carl C. Green Way- a testament to his lasting influence and the respect he garnered from the Harlem community he served so faithfully. This recognition stands to a man who gave so much of himself for the betterment of others.

 

Carl C. Green's life was a testament to the values of integrity, compassion, and community service. Though he has transitioned, his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the enduring impact he had on the world around him.

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