William Henry Lewis was the first Black All-American football player, affiliated with which university?

• A. Harvard
• B. Yale
• C. Princeton
• D. Cornell

Answer: (A)

A historic milestone in college football is recognizing the first Black player named to an All-American team, which shows early progress in the sport’s integration. William Henry Lewis earned that honor while playing at Harvard, making him the first Black All-American in the game. This connection to Harvard is why Harvard is the affiliated university. The achievement reflects how national recognition began to reach Black athletes in the late 19th century, even as broader social barriers persisted. After his football years, Lewis pursued a career in law and public service, continuing to break barriers beyond the field.