Interesting Things with JC #552: “The New York Renaissance” (Rens) were founded in Harlem February 13th, 1923. They were the first all-black, fully professional basketball team owned by an African-American. The team was originally known as the Spartan Braves before changing its name to the New York Renaissance and playing their home games at William Roach's Renaissance Ballroom. They would go on to dominate basketball, winning several championships along the way, including the World Championship of Professional Basketball in 1939.