The Negro National League was established in 1920 as the first professional baseball league for African American players. It was created to provide opportunities for Black athletes who were excluded from Major League Baseball due to racial segregation. The league featured teams from various cities and played a significant role in the development of baseball talent during a time of widespread discrimination. The league operated until 1931, facing challenges such as financial instability and competition from other leagues. Notable teams included the Chicago American Giants and the Homestead Grays, which showcased exceptional players like Josh Gibson and Satchel Paige. The league's legacy contributed to the eventual integration of baseball in the late 1940s.