Mannie Jackson
Inducted:
2017
Player Stats:
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
175 lb (79 kg)
Born:
May 4, 1939
Illmo, Missouri, U.S.
Position:
Guard
Contributor
College:
Illinois (1957–1960)
Mannie Jackson rose from humble beginnings—born in a boxcar in 1939—to become a trailblazer on and off the basketball court. He was one of the first African‑American starters and lettermen at the University of Illinois, where he earned All‑Big Ten honors and served as team captain. After a brief playing career—including with the Harlem Globetrotters—he transitioned into business, serving as a senior executive at Honeywell.
In 1993 he made history by purchasing the Globetrotters, becoming the first African‑American owner of a major global sports and entertainment brand. Under his leadership, the team was revitalized, attendance soared, and charitable giving exceeded $11 million. He served as chairman of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and inspired the creation of an award bearing his name. Enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2017, Jackson’s legacy combines sports, leadership, business success, and social impact.
Jackson's Awards & Records:
- 1st African-American owner of major sports corporation
- 1st African-American Fighting Illini basketball player
- Theodore Roosevelt Award (2015)
- University of Illinois Honored Jersey (2013)
- Chairman, Basketball Hall of Fame, (2007–09)
- All-American (1960)
- 2x All-Big Ten (1959, 1960)
Career :
New York Tapers (1960–1961)
Harlem Globetrotters (1962–1964)
Number Worn:
30
Notable Contributions::
Ownership Tenure (1993–2007):
Revitalizing Globetrotters’ global tours and performance impact
Charitable Contributions:
Oversaw over $11 million in youth and education initiatives
Leadership Roles:
Served as Chairman of the Basketball Hall of Fame Board
Legacy Impact:
Namesake for the Mannie Jackson – Basketball’s Human Spirit Award