[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 59 Engrossed in House (EH)]


109th CONGRESS

  1st Session

                            H. CON. RES. 59

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                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Recognizing the contributions of African-American basketball teams and 
 players for their achievements, dedication, and contributions to the 
                 sport of basketball and to the Nation.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
109th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. CON. RES. 59

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                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Whereas, even though African-Americans were excluded from playing in organized 
        white-only leagues, the desire of African-Americans to play basketball 
        could not be repressed;
Whereas, unlike baseball, which had Negro leagues, basketball had no organized 
        black leagues, thus forcing blacks to take to the road out of necessity;
Whereas among the most well-known black barnstorming teams who found their 
        beginnings in the 1920s were the New York Renaissance (or Rens), the 
        Harlem Globetrotters, the New York Enforcers, the Harlem Clowns, the 
        Harlem Road Kings, the Harlem Stars, the Harlem Ambassadors, and the 
        Philadelphia Tribunes;
Whereas, despite the racism they faced, Negro basketball teams overcame great 
        obstacles to play the game before black players were allowed to play in 
        the National Basketball Association in the early 1950s;
Whereas the New York Rens became one of the first great basketball dynasties in 
        the history of the game, compiling a 2,588-539 record in its 27-year 
        existence, winning 88 straight games in the 1932-33 season, and winning 
        the 1939 World Professional Championship;
Whereas the Harlem Globetrotters proved that they were capable of beating 
        professional teams like the World Champions Minneapolis Lakers led by 
        basketball great George Mikan in 1948;
Whereas the barnstorming African-American basketball teams included 
        exceptionally talented players and shaped modern-day basketball by 
        introducing a new style of play predicated on speed, short crisp passing 
        techniques, and vigorous defensive play;
Whereas among the pioneers who played on black barnstorming teams included 
        players such as Tarzan Cooper, Pop Gates, John Isaacs, Willie Smith, 
        Sweetwater Clifton, Ermer Robinson, Bob Douglas, Pappy Ricks, Runt 
        Pullins, Goose Tatum, Marques Haynes, Bobby Hall, Babe Pressley, Bernie 
        Price, Ted Strong, Inman Jackson, Duke Cumberland, Fat Jenkins, Eddie 
        Younger, Lou Badger, Zachary Clayton, Jim Usry, Sonny Boswell, and Puggy 
        Bell;
Whereas the struggles of these players and others paved the way for current 
        African American professional players, who are playing in the National 
        Basketball Association today;
Whereas the style of black basketball was more conducive to a wide open, fast-
        paced spectator sport;
Whereas, by achieving success on the basketball court, African-American 
        basketball players helped break down the color barrier and integrate 
        African-Americans into all aspects of society in the United States;
Whereas, during the era of sexism and gender barriers, barnstorming African-
        American basketball was not limited to men's teams, but included women's 
        teams as well, such as the Chicago Romas and the Philadelphia Tribunes;
Whereas only in recent years has the history of African-Americans in team sports 
        begun receiving the recognition it deserves;
Whereas basketball is a uniquely modern and uniquely American sport;
Whereas the Black Legends of Professional Basketball Foundation, founded by 
        former Harlem Globetrotter Dr. John Kline, of Detroit, Michigan, honors 
        and highlights the significant contributions of these pioneers and their 
        impact on professional basketball today; and
Whereas the hard work and efforts of the foundation have been instrumental in 
        bringing African-American inductees into the Naismith Memorial 
        Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts: Now, therefore, 
        be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),  
That--
            (1) Congress recognizes the teams and players of the 
        barnstorming African-American basketball teams for their 
        achievement, dedication, sacrifices, and contribution to 
        basketball and to the Nation prior to the integration of the 
        white professional leagues;
            (2) current National basketball Association players should 
        pay a debt of gratitude to those great pioneers of the game of 
        basketball and recognize them at every possible opportunity; 
        and
            (3) a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Black 
        Legends of Professional Basketball Foundation, which has 
        recognized and commemorated the achievements of African-
        American basketball teams, the National Basketball Association, 
        and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

            Passed the House of Representatives October 6, 2005.

            Attest:

                                                                 Clerk.