Dec. 23, 1946 Chuck Cooper Credit: Wikipedia University of Tennessee refused to play a basketball game with Duquesne University, because they had a Black player, Chuck Cooper. Despite their refusal, the all-American player and U.S. Navy veteran went on to become the first Black player to participate in a college basketball game south of the Mason-Dixon line. Cooper became the first Black player ever drafted in the NBA — drafted by the Boston Celtics. He went on to be admitted to the Basketball Hall of Fame. More on this day On this day in 1946 December 23, 2024December 20, 2024 On this day in 1997 December 22, 2024December 19, 2024 Load more posts Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again. The post On this day in 1946 appeared first on Mississippi Today.