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george branham III

George Branham, III (1962 – )

George Branham III (1962 – ) was the first African American to win the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) title. Branham was born in Detroit, MI. His father, George Branham, Jr., taught him how bowl in 1968. The family relocated to San Fernando Valley, CA. After high school, Branham played on bowling leagues, and worked at bowling alleys to perfect his skills. He turned pro at age 23. His pro career started with eight consecutive tournament wins between 1985-1987. In 1986, he became the first African American to win a major PBA event.

His career became stagnant for a time. In 1993 he relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana and won the Baltimore Open. Branham would then go on to win PBA’s Tournament of Champions. During the tournament he bowled an average of 238 in eight games. He beat Parker Bohn III and earned $65,000 in prize money. Branham was given the nickname, “King of The Hill”. Branham won the Cleveland Open in 1996. This was his last significant PBA victory. He retired in 2003. During his career he won five PBA titles and amassed 23,300 game points. Following his retirement, he opened a bowling alley in Indianapolis.

Sources:

http://www.blackpast.org/aah/branham-george-iii-1962

<a href=”http://biography.jrank.org/pages/2501/Branham-III-George.html”>George Branham III Biography – Began Bowling as a Young Boy, Became First Black to Win PBA Title</a>