On this edition of In Black America, producer/host John L. Hanson Jr. speaks with Chris Boucher, author of ‘ Harry ‘Bucky’ Lew: A Biography of Basketball’s First Black Professional.’

In 1902, Harry “Bucky” Lew became the first African American professional player in the country and the first head coach of an integrated basketball team. He continued his basketball career for 25 years as a player, coach, manager, owner, and referee.

His accomplishments were well documented in the newspapers of his day, but he has largely been forgotten, despite helping the Dodgers find a home for their first African American players, and the full integration of all major league sports that soon followed.

Visit supportthispodcast.org to make a donation that helps sustain and support the creation of podcasts like this one from KUT & KUTX Studios.