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Cisero Murphy (1937–1996) was an American professional pool player. Murphy was the first African-American professional pocket billiards player to ever win world and U.S. national titles. He is also one of two players to win the world title on a first attempt, the other being Ray Martin who won the title in 1971.
James "Cisero" Murphy grew up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of
Brooklyn, one of eight children. His father left the family home when
Murphy was a child, forcing his mother to go on welfare. At 15, he was a
high school dropout. One summer, however, young James began playing
pool at the Police Athletic League (PAL), and except for short-term
jobs, he continued playing pool for the duration of his life.
He became city champion in 1953 and state champion in 1958. From 1959
to 1964, he was eastern state champion in the PAL. Later in life,
Murphy participated in city programs in an effort to help young adults
and children, such as Billiards in the Streets, which was sponsored by
the Department of Parks and Recreation. He also would visit veterans
hospitals, senior citizen homes, and mental hospitals giving trick shot exhibitions and teaching people how to play pool.
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