Sports and Racism By Jstoney27 Sep 20, 1902 Charles Follis becomes first black NFL player. Dec 26, 1908 Jack Johnson first black heavy weight boxing champion. Apr 15, 1947 Jackie ronbison was the first black player to play in the MLB Oct 30, 1950 Earl Lloyd becomes the first ever black player to play in the NBA. Jan 18, 1958 Willie O'Ree becomes the first black hockey player to play in the NHL. Jan 1, 1962 Jackie Robinson first black alhlete to be in the baseball Hall of Fame. Jun 20, 1969 Bill Russel wins an NBA record 11th championship Jan 1, 1975 Bill Russel First black player to be put into the Hall of Fame