Celtics Honor African-American Pioneer Chuck Cooper

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Hey Celt,

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Celtics Honor African-American Pioneer Chuck Cooper On 50th Anniversary of League Integration

The Boston Celtics commemorated the 50th anniversary of African-Americans joining the league by honoring the late Chuck Cooper during a halftime ceremony at last night's Celtics' 2000-01 home opener against the Detroit Pistons.

At the tribute, Red Auerbach, Bill Russell and Bob Cousy presented commemorative gifts to Cooper's widow Irva Cooper and his son Chuck Cooper, Jr., including a piece of the famed parquet floor and a Chuck Cooper jersey.  Celtics legend Tom "Satch" Sanders, the NBA's Vice President of Player Programs, presented the Coopers with a commemorative plaque from the NBA.

The Celtics are hanging a banner that pays tribute to Cooper's years with the Celtics (1950-54). The banner will hang from the FleetCenter rafters for the entire season and will then be permanently displayed in the New England Sports Museum.

Bob Cousy, who shared a few memories of his teammate with the crowd, recently reflected, "Chuck Cooper was a man of class, intelligence and sensitivity who blazed a trail that wasn't easy. He was a very good basketball player and a loyal friend."

The Boston tribute was part of a series of events honoring the four African Americans who played in the NBA in 1950. Earl Lloyd, who played for the
Washington Capitols, was the first African-American to play in a game on Oct. 31, 1950. Cooper was the first to be drafted (by Boston) and the late Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton was the first to sign a contract (with New York).
Hank DeZonie, a former member of the New York Rens barnstorming team, played five games in 1950 for the Tri-Cities Blackhawks (now the Atlanta Hawks).

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