Chris Boucher, "Harry "Bucky" Lew: A Biography of the First Black Professional Basketball Player" (McFarland, 2026)

Chris Boucher, "Harry "Bucky" Lew: A Biography of the First Black Professional Basketball Player" (McFarland, 2026)

Author: New Books Network January 11, 2026 Duration: 46:51
Harry "Bucky" Lew leapt over pro basketball's color wall in 1902 and continued to integrate every single role in the game over the next 25 years. He was the first Black player, coach, manager, referee, and franchise owner in otherwise white leagues. His accomplishments were well documented in the newspapers of his day, but he has largely been forgotten, despite his assist to the Dodgers in finding a home for their first Black players in the United States and the full integration of all major league sports that soon followed. Covering Lew's entire sporting career and major league legacy, this biography shows how he persevered and triumphed over adversity to provide a shining example for those seeking full participation across the sports spectrum. Paul Knepper covered the New York Knicks for Bleacher Report. His first book was The Knicks of the Nineties: Ewing, Oakley, Starks and the Brawlers That Almost Won It All. His next book, Moses Malone: The Life of a Basketball Prophet, is now available. You can reach Paul at paulknepper@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @paulieknep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-american-studies

Dive into the vibrant and complex world of Black thought, history, and culture with New Books in African American Studies. This podcast, part of the wider New Books Network, functions as a serious but accessible audio library where ideas are explored in depth. Each conversation is a direct line to the latest scholarship, featuring authors in detailed discussion about their recently published books with knowledgeable interviewers. You’ll hear about groundbreaking research that spans centuries and disciplines, from sociology and politics to literature, music, and art, all grounded in the African American experience. The dialogue moves beyond simple summaries, delving into the authors' inspirations, their research processes, and the broader implications of their work for understanding society today. It’s like attending a compelling academic lecture or an insightful conference panel, but from wherever you choose to listen. This channel specifically offers a focused, curated space within the larger network's vast archive, dedicated entirely to these vital conversations. For anyone looking to move past headlines and engage with the substantive ideas shaping contemporary discourse, this podcast provides an invaluable resource. The tone is collegial and engaging, designed to make sophisticated scholarship approachable for students, educators, and lifelong learners alike. Tune in to discover the books and thinkers currently defining the field.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

New Books in African American Studies
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