Lafayette Allen, Jr.

Pioneer

Lafayette Allen Jr.
City: Detroit
State: MI
Inducted: 1994

Known as the voice of the black bowling community of the Greater Detroit area, Allen devoted a lifetime to service in his community in a multitude of ways. An outstanding bowler, he became one of the great sponsors of individuals, teams and leagues. His sponsorship fame became national in 1951 when he entered his Allen Supermarket team in the ABC Tournament in St. Paul. It was the first black team to bowl in the ABC following the rescinding of the Caucasian-Only clause in 1950.