[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 107 (Monday, June 23, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3491-S3492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING JUNIOR BRIDGEMAN

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, on March 11, 2025, Kentucky lost a 
distinguished athlete, businessman, and mentor to many. Ulysses Lee 
Bridgeman, known to most as ``Junior,'' wrote history on the basketball 
court, throughout Kentucky and beyond. His dedication for championing 
others' successes and imprinting a substantial difference on our 
community will not be forgotten. I ask my colleagues to please join me 
in honoring the life of Junior Bridgeman.
  Junior was a renowned athlete who helped lead the University of 
Louisville men's basketball team to their third Final Four during his 
senior year in 1975. He then was selected eighth in the

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NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, then quickly traded to the 
Milwaukee Bucks, where he spent 10 out of his 12 seasons playing 
professional basketball. He played 711 games and scored 9,892 points, 
where he holds the record for third most games played and the ninth 
most points in franchise history. In addition to his historic playing 
career, he was a mentor to many rookies, teaching them how to manage 
and navigate their newfound salaries as professional athletes.
  During his time in Milwaukee, he began investing in fast food 
companies. As he left the league, his business ventures dramatically 
grew and so did his philanthropic efforts. He focused his service on 
youth education and community development. He was a key driver in 
opening Louisville's West End School, a tuition-free boarding school 
that instills academic rigor, character development, and responsible 
action in students. At the heart of Junior's legacy rests a profound 
desire to empower others to great success.
  Junior made meaningful contributions to Louisville throughout his 
career, including during his time serving on the board of trustees for 
the University of Louisville and Simmons College of Kentucky. He served 
on many local boards such as PGA of America, Churchill Downs, Inc., 
Fifth Third Bank, Jackson Hewitt, Governors Scholar Program, Crusade 
for Children Foundation, Louisville Arena Authority, and others. His 
passion for Louisville spread throughout the Nation as he would host 
one of the most notable charity fundraising galas the night before the 
Kentucky Derby. These events brought together many celebrities and 
public figures, widening the audience of the event. In each of these 
endeavors, Junior was committed to opening doors and fostering growth 
for those that would otherwise not have the opportunity.
  Although Junior was known for his athletic career and vast business 
ventures, his dedication to his faith is what set him apart. He was an 
active member of the Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, and his 
service to the Lord can be seen in each of his good works. Through his 
commitment to serving those in need, his eagerness to give graciously, 
and his immense sense of humility, we remember him as a trailblazer of 
benefaction and progress in the Commonwealth. I would like to express 
my personal condolences to Junior's wife Doris, his three children, and 
all those who knew and loved him. The impact and legacy Junior 
Bridgeman leaves behind is a testament to the instrumental role we can 
all play in each other's lives and our communities.

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