Today's Articles

People, Locations, Episodes

Sat, 11.22.1986

The First Black Professional Bowling Champion is Crowned

George Branham

On this date, George Branham was the first Black to win a Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) championship.  He defeated Mark Roth from Detroit in Glendale Heights, Illinois, on this date in 1986. . .

He had bowled since six and joined the PBA at age 24. In 17 years as a professional bowler, Branham won five major titles, including the sport's highest honor, the Tournament of Champions. He also rolled 23 games with a perfect score of 300 and earned $747,138 in prize money. When he retired from the game in 2004, he remained one of the world's top contenders and was still the only black bowler to become a PBA champion.

New Poem Each Day

Poetry Corner

I ply with all the cunning of my art this little thing, and with consummate care I fashion it-so that when I depart, Those who come after me shall... THE CRAFTSMAN by Marcus B. Christian.
Read More