[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 16 (Wednesday, January 29, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E101]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO ROBERT L. JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 29, 2003

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you 
today to acknowledge the accomplishments of Robert L. Johnson.
  In 1980, Mr. Johnson launched Black Entertainment Television (BET) 
with the help of a $15,000 loan. Under Mr. Johnson's leadership, BET 
Holdings Inc. expanded, and in 1991 became the first African-American-
owned Company traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Mr. Johnson has 
since expanded the core BET network to include a theatrical film 
company, a book publishing division and restaurants. BET has flourished 
as the leading African American multimedia entertainment company, now 
reaching more than 65 million U.S. homes and more than 90% of all 
African-American cable households.
  On December 12, 2002, the National Basketball Association awarded 
Robert Johnson an expansion franchise in Charlotte, NC, making him not 
only the first African American to own an NBA franchise, but also the 
first African-American to own a major professional sports team in North 
America.
  The selection of Mr. Johnson completes a long series of achievements 
by African-Americans in the NBA. Earl Lloyd became the NBA's first 
African-American player in 1950. Bill Russell became the league's first 
African-American head coach in 1966. Wayne Embry became the league's 
first African-American general manager in 1972. Today, 85 percent of 
the NBA's rosters are filled with African-Americans, and 12 of the 29 
coaches in the league are African-Americans.
  It was his individual skills, his demonstrated ability to build 
organizations, and his success in business and media that earned Robert 
Johnson such a grand accomplishment. He will be an example for other 
team owners as he has committed to giving African-Americans 
opportunities within his team's management structure.
  I would like to recognize the historical significance of Robert L. 
Johnson becoming the first African-American to own a majority portion 
of a major sports team in the United States and North America. I salute 
Mr. Johnson for his outstanding achievements and work as an African 
American businessman and leader. I commend the NBA in choosing Mr. 
Johnson to own the new Charlotte franchise, and I salute the league's 
understanding of the importance of diversity in making its selection. I 
would also like to encourage further efforts within the NBA and other 
professional sports to support minority ownership and management of 
team franchises.

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