Earl Lloyd: NBA’s First African-American Player Made History Today

UPDATE: On this day, October 31, 2025, we commemorate a pivotal moment in sports history—75 years ago, on October 31, 1950, Earl Lloyd made history as the first African-American to play in an NBA game. Lloyd, who played for the Washington Capitols, opened doors for countless athletes and changed the landscape of professional basketball forever.

Lloyd’s groundbreaking debut came during a time of significant racial segregation in the United States. His contributions to the sport went beyond his nine seasons in the NBA, where he ultimately secured a championship in 1955 with the Syracuse Nationals. Today, as we celebrate Halloween, we also honor Lloyd’s legacy and the impact he has had on sports and society.

In addition to Lloyd’s milestone, October 31 is marked by other historic events. On this date in 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed a proclamation making Nevada the 36th state of the U.S., just eight days before the presidential election.

The day is steeped in significant history:

– In 1913, the Lincoln Highway, America’s first automobile highway, was dedicated.
– In 1941, the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial was completed after years of labor.
– The removal of Josef Stalin‘s body from Lenin’s Tomb occurred in 1961 as part of the Soviet Union’s “de-Stalinization” efforts.
– On October 31, 1999, all 217 passengers aboard EgyptAir Flight 990 tragically lost their lives when the flight crashed off the coast of Massachusetts.
– The assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984 marked a turning point in Indian politics.
– In 2005, President George W. Bush nominated Judge Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court, a decision that would influence American law for years to come.
– The United Nations estimated the world population reached seven billion people on this day in 2011.

Today also marks the birthdays of notable figures, including former CBS anchorman Dan Rather, who turns 94, and actor Stephen Rea, who celebrates his 79th birthday.

As we reflect on these milestones, the legacy of Earl Lloyd remains a powerful reminder of progress and the ongoing journey towards equality in sports and society.

This October 31, let us not only celebrate Halloween but also honor those who have paved the way for future generations. Share this story to inspire others about the importance of diversity and inclusion in athletics.