The African American Athletes Hall of Fame of Stockton

Our History

The African American Athletes Hall of Fame was founded in 1987, formerly know as the Stockton Black Sports Hall of Fame by two Edison High School graduates, Ricky Warren and Archie Harris. Both were in their early 30's, neither one realizing the positive impact this would have on their community. Today, the African American Athletes Hall of Fame (aka Black Sports Hall of Fame)is over a one hundred members strong. The name has changed but the purpose has not, we intend to affect our community in a positive way. The organization is a non-profit agency.

The first Black Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held on Friday, June 19, 1987 at the Stockton Inn. A sparse crowd of about fifty people witnessed history in the making as five worthy and distinguished gentlemen, stood up and took their rightful place in Stockton&spos;s rich athletic community. Edwin “Eddie” Macon, John Nisby, Dick Bass, George Moton, and Charles “Coach” Washington were the inaugural honorees. All five gentlemen were outstanding high school, college and/or professional athletes. Also honored that evening was Alex G. Spanos, a man who supported Stockton area youth programs for decades.

The question was asked, “Why did Stockton need a Black Sports Hall of Fame“? After all, the City of Stockton already had an Athletic Hall of Fame, as well as one at the local institution of higher education (The University of the Pacific).

The answer was clear; no African-Americans were in those other prestigious Sports Halls of Fame. After 20 to 30 years of existence, not one African American was ever extended an invitation to become a part of Stockton's rich athletic heritage. Only after they were inducted into the Stockton Black Sports Hall of Fame, also known as African American Athletes Hall of Fame, were African Americans invited into the Stockton Hall of Fame.

On April 26, 2008, one of our own, Mr. Eddie Macon of the Chicago Bears, was honored by the University of the Pacific by having his number, 41, retired. It will be added to the wall of the Spanos Center, becoming the 14th jersey to be retired. That evening of celebration and recognition provided a unique opportunity for connecting Pacific's heritage of outstanding athletic alumni and Hall of Famers with the current generation of exceptional student-athletes. The African American Athletes Hall of Fame was represented front and center by Coach Charles Washington, Coach Ben Parks and Sam Dickerson of the Los Angeles Rams.