Charles “Chuck” Cooper became the first African American selected in a NBA draft in 1950

April 25

On April 25, 1950, Charles “Chuck” Cooper became the first African American selected in a NBA draft. 

Charles Cooper paved the way by breaking the color barrier in the NBA in 1950. Cooper was selected by the Boston Celtics in the second round. Charles Cooper died in 1984.

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Sources

A&E Television Networks. (n.d.). Chuck Cooper becomes first African American selected in NBA draft. History.com. Retrieved April 1, 2023, from https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/chuck-cooper-nba-draft-first-black-player