Harry “Bucky” Lew: An Early Black History of Basketball

Before Chuck Cooper broke the color barrier for the Celtics, there was Harry “Bucky” Lew. A Massachusetts native who dribbled in the same circles as the West End House basketball team, Lew integrated every conceivable role in the game over the course of his 25 year career. Lew’s long career brought him all around New England, but his legacy has mostly been forgotten.

Lew played in the West End, where he faced off against a team led by future sportswriting legend Hy Hurwitz. Hy was witness to many historic sports events, including baseball's first Hall of Fame class and the home run Ted Willians hit in his famous final at-bat. If Hy had a vote for basketball's hall of fame too, Lew just might have made it!

Join author Chris Boucher and Lew’s granddaughter Wendy Johnson, for this book talk and conversation on one of basketball’s unsung pioneers.

Books will be available for purchase at this event.

Looking for a sports history double header? Make sure to join us for Title Town in the West End tour on May 2 at 1 pm.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

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