[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 40 (Monday, March 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING AND HONORING EARL LLOYD FOR BECOMING THE FIRST AFRICAN-
     AMERICAN TO PLAY IN THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION LEAGUE

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                               speech of

                        HON. TIMOTHY V. JOHNSON

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 5, 2008

  Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
Representative Jim Moran's House resolution expressing the sense of 
Congress to recognize and honor Earl Lloyd for breaking the color 
barrier as the first African-American to play in the National 
Basketball Association (NBA).
  In addition to Earl Lloyd's accomplishments during the 1950 season, I 
want to take this opportunity to also recognize the Boston Celtics 
franchise and legendary coach and general manager Red Auerbach for 
their work in the advancement and inclusion of African-Americans in the 
NBA.
  In 1950, before Earl Lloyd became the first African-American to play 
in an NBA game, Chuck Cooper became the first African-American to be 
drafted in the NBA by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 
selection process. This milestone was the first in a long list of 
accomplishments the Celtics organization has made during their storied 
history to break down the color barrier in professional sports.
  In addition to drafting the first African-American player, Red 
Auerbach was also the first to have an all African-American starting 
lineup which included Bill Russell, Willie Naulls, Tom Sanders, Sam 
Jones and K. C. Jones. In the 1966-67 season, the Celtics would go a 
step further by making Bill Russell the first African-American to coach 
an NBA team.
  I hope all of my colleagues will join me today in honoring Earl 
Lloyd, Chuck Cooper and all the individuals who were a part of breaking 
down the color barrier in professional sports.

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