Charlie Scott

When Charlie Scott suited up in blue, he became the first to transcend black and white. 

Scott’s tenure at North Carolina basketball marked one of the most successful eras in the program’s history.

Courtesy of UNC Athletic Communications

It also coincided with one where the Civil Rights Act had been signed but racial intolerance, bigotry and prejudice remained prevalent. 

Neither was a coincidence. 

From 1968 to 1970, Scott led his team to three ACC titles and two consecutive Final Four appearances beginning in 1968. 

Racism imbued his career, including his junior and senior years when he was widely regarded as the best player in the ACC. Both years he was overlooked for the player of the year honors. 

Today his No. 33 jersey hangs in the rafters as a testament to his extraordinary career.