Do you know who Earl Francis Lloyd was? He was the first African American player to play in the NBA. Earl grew up in Jim Crow Virginia and went to West Virginia State, where he played and was the star of their basketball team. He was drafted by the Washington Capitols in the 9th round of the draft. After seven games with the Capitols, he was drafted into the military. Upon his return the Capitols went out of business. As a result, he went to play for Syracuse Nationals who later became the Philadelphia 76ers. After retirement, he served as a scout then as an assistant coach for the Pistons. He also became the first full-time black head coach in the league. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003. May we never forget those that have paved the way for us. Earl was the first but won’t be the last to break racial barriers.