Reprinted with permission from the Jan. 24 edition of the University Gazette
When Charlie Scott took the floor for the men’s basketball team on Dec. 2, 1967, he became the first African American to play on the varsity basketball team at Carolina.
It was the beginning of a legendary career for Scott and marked a turning point in University history. Not only did he help bring the Tar Heels back to national prominence – the team made it to two Final Fours during Scott’s years at Carolina – he helped to pave the way for the generations of African American athletes and students who would follow in his footsteps.