Earl Lloyd became the first African American to play in a NBA game in 1950

October 31

On October 31, 1950, Earl Lloyd became the first African American to play in the NBA. 

In 1950, Washington Capitols player Earl Lloyd stepped onto the court against the Rochester Royals, becoming the first African American to play in the NBA.

Earl Lloyd went on to play nine seasons in the NBA before retiring. In 2003, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. 

Lloyd died in 2015.

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Sources

A&E Television Networks. (n.d.-a). Earl Lloyd becomes first black player in the NBA. History.com. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/earl-lloyd-becomes-first-black-player-in-the-nba