Tuesday night, when the Harlem Globetrotters take the court at the Valdosta State University Complex, the team continues a wonderful tradition.

For 85 years, the Harlem Globetrotter players have literally traveled the globe. Originally, the Harlem Globetrotters were formed in the days when sports were segregated. There were white sports teams and black sports teams.

Through the decades, the Harlem Globetrotters overcame racial discrimination to serve as goodwill ambassadors throughout the United States and the world.

But as true globetrotters, the Harlem Globetrotters visit more than just the world’s largest cities. They travel to smaller towns, too. They come to towns like Valdosta, and through an evening of fun, talent and skill, they bring smiles to the faces of thousands of people and awaken the reality that many things are possible.

Today’s Harlem Globetrotter team is not the one many middle-aged folks will recall of Meadowlark Lemon, Curly Neal, Goose Tatum and others. It is not the team that became possibly the most famous among the Harlem Globetrotters, the one that inspired lunchboxes, notebook covers, and even a regular Saturday morning cartoon. Many of today’s children are familiar with that 1970s-era team due to reruns of those old cartoons.

And while many of those traditional antics are still a part of the Globetrotters, the current team also places more emphasis on their basketball skills.

These new members continue the Harlem Globetrotters long tradition and history of racial equality, the pursuit of excellence, and bringing smiles to fans’ faces.

Globetrotters

The Valdosta Daily Times is a sponsor of the Globetrotter visit.

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 8.

Where: Valdosta State University PE Complex.

Tickets: Start at $17.

More information: Call (229) 333-7328; visit vstateblazers.com and enter “globetrotter in search bar; or www.harlemglobetrotters.com; or visit the Blazer ticket office.