[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 16]
[House]
[Pages 22364-22367]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




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

  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 59) 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.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 59

       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

[[Page 22365]]

       (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.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Tennessee (Mr. Duncan) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan).


                             General Leave

  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 59.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Tennessee?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 59 introduced by the 
distinguished gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Kilpatrick). This 
resolution would recognize the dedication of African-American 
basketball players who played on the barnstorming teams of the early 
1920s through the 1950s. The motivation of these teams to organize 
despite being excluded from playing in the white-only structured teams 
and leagues was truly a story of perseverance and honor.
  The history is very similar to the Negro baseball leagues which have 
received such honor and distinction in recent years. One of the first 
basketball dynasties, the New York Renaissance, was founded in 1923. 
The team's namesake came from their home court, the Harlem Renaissance 
Ballroom, in which they played 27 seasons. The Renaissance organized 
games each day of the week and twice on Sundays. Because the racial 
climate of the 1930s was often harsh and unforgiving, while away from 
their home court, the Rens were often refused food and board. Other 
barnstorming teams included the Harlem Globetrotters, the New York 
Enforcers and the Philadelphia Tri-
bunes.
  Not only did these players bring organized basketball to all those 
who may not have had the opportunity to play, but they also helped 
influence the way basketball is played today. The fast pace of the game 
and the short, concise passing techniques originated with the talented 
players that dominated the barnstorming teams. More importantly, on 
April 25, 1950, the first African-American player was drafted into the 
National Basketball Association.
  By demanding respect on the basketball court, these brave players did 
their part to facilitate racial integration in all aspects of American 
life. They were an inspiration to many.
  Therefore, I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution, and 
I congratulate the gentlewoman from Michigan on her efforts.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may 
consume to the sponsor of this resolution, the gentlewoman from 
Michigan (Ms. Kilpatrick).
  Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from 
Illinois for yielding me this time, and I thank the gentleman from 
Tennessee for controlling the time and allowing us to present this to 
the American people.
  I first want to thank Dr. John Kline, a psychologist in my district 
who has been on this for many years. He is a former Harlem Globetrotter 
and now a psychologist in the City of Detroit who has been working 
tirelessly with me to see that we honor the men, particularly the men, 
and now the women who play in the WNBA, for their talent and for their 
commitment to the sport of basketball. Dr. Kline has been working on 
this for some time, and he established in 1996 the Black Legends of 
Professional Basketball Foundation where he works himself to see that 
the players reach the Hall of Fame in the basketball world. I want to 
thank Dr. Kline for his tenacity, and my staff thanks him, and we look 
forward to working with him.
  Basketball has been a dream come true for many young people in 
America and around the world. They are able because of the pioneers who 
have gone before them to present themselves in the discipline and the 
competition that the sport requires. I want to first say before there 
was a Bill Russell and a Cazzie Russell, as well as a Michael Jordan 
and Dr. J, in 1920, as was mentioned by my colleague, other gentlemen 
came forth and began to play organized basketball that began and 
created a competition that endured in men the skill, the tenacity, the 
commitment and the competition to move forward.
  As was mentioned, in 1922, the first team, the New York Renaissance 
was established, and in the 27 years that followed, they played every 
year. After them, in 1930, the Harlem Globetrotters were organized to 
play basketball, and even though they could not play in the NBA, they 
continued to play.
  It is important that as we move into this new season of the NBA, 
which will be starting in the next month, that we not forget those who 
set the pace, both African-Americans as well as European-Americans and 
others who played the sport of basketball and brought it to our country 
and now around the world.
  The Basketball Legends Professional Foundation is here to recognize 
and to assist, under Dr. John Kline's leadership, that men be inducted 
into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame as Dr. Kline has done. It is 
important that we continue the sport of basketball. Not only is it a 
character-building, competition-raising, beautiful sport, it also 
offers cities around the country the opportunity to participate. I 
would like to at this time send a shout out to the Detroit Pistons, 
world champions in 2003 and also in the semifinals in 2004.
  So as we pay homage to Earl Lloyd, a former 1950's basketball player 
from my district, as well as some of the others that came before him, 
let us remember that the NBA was started many years after the African-
American basketball players played their sport. Together it has evolved 
into a wonderful sport. I urge my colleagues to adopt this resolution. 
It is called the resolution recognizing the contributions of African 
American basketball teams that started in the 1920s.
  Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Tennessee as well as the 
gentleman from Illinois, and let us continue to remember that through 
competition and sports, we too can build a strong America and a strong 
family.
  Madam Speaker, in less than a month the 2005-2006 professional 
basketball season will begin, and I am proud that the resolution being 
considered today pays tribute to the founding African-American 
basketball teams and players who made the game what it is today.
  In the past, Congress has recognized the contributions of the Harlem 
Globetrotters, one of the first barnstorming teams that roamed the 
United States before professional leagues were integrated, and the 
professional Negro Baseball Leagues. But no one until now, has 
recognized the contributions of the early African-American basketball 
teams and their players.
  Before the New York Knicks of the newly formed National Basketball 
Association signed Nathaniel ``Sweetwater'' Clifton in 1950, an 
African-American, organized professional basketball was a whites-only 
sport. Accompanying Clifton to the NBA were Earl Lloyd, and Chuck 
Cooper. Cooper, Lloyd, and Clifton may not be household names, but 
their place in the NBA's history will be secure forever.
  The First white pro-basketball team was founded in 1914.
  The first African-American team came into being in 1922 with the 
organization of the New York Renaissance. They were known as the New 
York Rens. 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 span as an organized basketball team.
  The New York Globetrotters--the forerunner of the Harlem 
Globetrotters--were organized in 1930. Other teams that came into being 
include the New York Enforcers, the Harlem Clowns, the Harlem Road 
Kings, the Harlem Stars, the Harlem Ambassadors, and the Philadelphia 
Tribunes.

[[Page 22366]]

  African-American basketball teams had a different style of play from 
their white, professional counterparts. They played for the ``fast 
break'', shot with one-hand, made short, crisp passes, and emphasized a 
vigorous style of defense. Their style stood in marked contrast with 
the waltz-paced game played by the two-hand set shooters of the all-
white basketball teams. These African-American barnstorming teams 
introduced a style of play that makes the world sport of basketball the 
wide-open, fast paced game it is today.
  Before Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul Jabar, Julius 
Erving and Michael Jordan, we celebrated basketball notables such as 
Tarzan Cooper, Pop Gates, John Isaacs, and Goose Tatum just to name a 
few.
  Their love for the game allowed them to conquer many hardships on 
their barnstorming tours. They traveled from town to town, often 
sleeping in their cars because they were refused lodging. They were 
denied service at restaurants and suffered all the indignities of Jim 
Crow laws.
  The barnstorming African-American basketball teams were exceptionally 
talented, and they had the chance to prove it, when in 1948 the Harlem 
Globetrotters beat the world champion Minneapolis Lakers led by pro-
basketball's first big man, George Mikan, the game's first superstar.
  Special thanks go to Dr. John Kline, a former Globetrotter, who 
resides in Detroit, Michigan, which I am privileged to represent. Dr. 
Kline has made it his personal mission that the great players who made 
this game what it is today are not forgotten and that their legends 
continue to be noted in the annals of basketball history.
  Dr. Kline founded in 1996 the Black Legends of Professional 
Basketball Foundation to honor black pros who played prior to 1960. Dr. 
Kline was recently inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. The 
Foundation which he heads lobbies for African-American players to be 
considered for induction into the National Basketball Hall of Fame to 
make sure these men finally get their due--in much the same way that 
Negro League baseball players have finally begun to get recognition for 
their talents and sacrifices.
  We are proud of his work and a copy of this resolution will be 
presented to the foundation, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, and 
the National Basketball Association.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Madam Speaker, basketball was invented in December 1891 by James 
Naismith at the YMCA's School for Christian Workers, now Springfield 
College in Springfield, Massachusetts. Also, I guess it is also home to 
the Basketball Museum Hall of Fame and just a great place.
  Within months, the game spread across the country through a network 
of YMCAs. Unfortunately, blacks were excluded from professional sports 
at that time, when leagues were established in the United States during 
the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  Unlike baseball, which had the Negro Leagues, basketball had no 
organized black leagues. Black players responded by participating in 
barnstorming teams. Barnstorming clubs crossed the country to play 
wherever a club, black or white, amateur or professional, could be 
found. Three of the most well-known black barnstorming teams of the 
1930s were the New York Renaissance, the Harlem Globetrotters and the 
Philadelphia Tribunes.

                              {time}  1500

  Founded in 1923 by Bob Douglas, a British West Indies native, the New 
York Renaissance became one of the first dynasties in basketball. Named 
after the Harlem Renaissance Ballroom which served as the team's home 
court, the Rens played for 27 seasons and compiled a 2,588-539 record 
by playing each day of the week and twice on Sundays.
  Due to the racial climate during the 1930s, the Rens faced 
discrimination away from home. While on the road, the Rens often were 
refused lodging and food. The team ate cold sandwiches and often slept 
on buses when excluded from hotels. In the Midwest, the team would use 
Chicago or Indianapolis as its base. The team would drive as far as 200 
miles to play a game, drive back to Chicago or Indianapolis to sleep 
and do it all over again the next day.
  Barnstorming was not limited to men's teams. There were two women's 
black teams, the Chicago Romas and the Philadelphia Tribunes.
  Whether it was the Rens, the Chicago Romas or the famed Harlem 
Globetrotters, they were competitive and dedicated to the sport despite 
the discrimination they faced.
  I also would urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I, 
too, would join the gentlewoman from Detroit in acknowledging the 
prowess of the Detroit Pistons in terms of winning their championship 
and being the runner-up. But of course, they have never really been a 
match for the Chicago Bulls, who reside in my district, the Seventh 
District of Illinois.
  But not only are the Bulls there, but the Reinsdorfs, who own the 
Bulls, are great civic and community leaders, being involved in 
activities that stretch from education to community development to 
providing atmosphere and environment. My district has also been a 
prolific developer of NBA stars, people like Mark Aguirre, Isaiah 
Thomas, Doc Rivers, Randy Brown, who my wife taught in high school at 
the George W. Collins High School, Michael Findley, Mickey Johnson, 
Kevin Garnett, who came from the Farragut high school where I used to 
teach, Tim Hardaway, Terry Cummings, Dwayne Wade, just to name a few.
  And so, basketball has indeed been a godsend for many young athletes, 
allowing them to not only get a good education as a result of their 
athletic prowess, but also to become mainstays in a professional 
environment where they could earn a livelihood.
  Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, let me thank the 
distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) for his kindness in 
yielding and to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan), my 
Republican colleague, who is leading the debate on this issue, and 
might I add my deep appreciation to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. 
Kilpatrick), the distinguished Congresswoman, for the vision and wisdom 
in working with the scholars who understood that, for its history to be 
complete, we must not overlook the beginnings of a sport that everyone 
thinks they can play. It is a wonder, as you look at how basketball has 
exploded over the last decades, and you will see teams throughout the 
community; you will see the young teams, the middle school teams, high 
school teams, the college teams, you will see the community teams. 
Everyone loves basketball. But it is important for our history to be 
remembered and to be honored.
  So I rise today in support of this particular resolution that deals 
with the honoring of the very beginnings of basketball amongst African-
Americans. I support H. Con. Res. 59, recognizing the contributions of 
African-American basketball teams and players for their achievement, 
dedication and contributions.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to make these points as I recognize the 
work of my colleague. It is, of course, to be able to say that, as we 
look at America's history, we will find that many aspects of African-
American history have been missed. And it is never too late for us to 
come back and correct that absence. In this instance, it is interesting 
to note that these basketball teams of African-Americans, and as noted 
by my colleague from Illinois, men and women started as early as the 
1920s.
  Might I remind my colleagues that it was not too long into the 1920s 
or before the 1920s that America was strangled by Jim Crow laws, which 
defined separatism by blacks and whites, terror in the deep south. And 
so for these teams to spring up, call themselves barnstorming and go 
about creating joy but also competition is a tribute that should be 
acknowledged. The fact that they played for 27 years without 
recognition and in discriminatory times should be acknowledged. The 
fact that they were not in organized leagues should be acknowledged. 
The fact that they were men and women should be acknowledged. And might 
I say that I hope that, as they may be installed into the Michigan Hall 
of Fame, that they might find their way into the National Basketball 
Hall of Fame as

[[Page 22367]]

well. This legislation is long overdue, and the leadership of my 
colleague should be applauded.
  Might I also say to my colleagues that this speaks very loudly to the 
inappropriate statement that was made just last week by Dr. Bill 
Bennett who noted that the reduction of crime could be done by aborting 
every black baby. And I think we should not forget that, as we look to 
honor those who are forgotten in history. For anyone to blatantly make 
such a statement in 21st century America means that they have forgotten 
the long years of prejudice and discrimination that faced many African-
Americans in many disciplines, including sports and education and the 
sciences and medicine; that they would offer to suggest that the likes 
of those who have been called on this floor, the likes of Colin Powell, 
the likes of former Mayor Lee Brown, the likes of Mark Morial, the 
likes of Sojourner Truth, the likes of Mae Jemison, the first black 
woman astronaut, all who started out as black babies, would have 
contributed only if they were aborted and would have helped to reduce 
crime. I frankly believe that he should be suspended off the air, and I 
frankly believe that these words, if he was in Congress, should be 
taken down.
  But as we celebrate, I hope that we are reminded that every person, 
every person's life who has the ability to contribute should be 
cherished, and we should remind ourselves of their great history. And 
so this legislation has a very important place in history and a very 
important place for our colleagues to celebrate the history of those 
early African-American sports persons and basketball players.
  I could not end my remarks without trying to compete, though I am 
obviously working hard to compete, by noting the history of the Houston 
Rockets and to give a shout out to my home team and to mention the 
early basketball players. Probably there were some earlier than this, 
but I might mention John Lucas, who now has a son playing and will be 
entering a second generation of pro basketball players; and Calvin 
Murphy, who not only, along with John, played basketball but were 
fixtures in our community, contributed to the lives of young people and 
turned their lives around and were role models for them; Olajuwon and 
the famous dream team that we had; and Clyde Drexler, who is a 
businessman and contributor in our community; Steve Francis, who 
supports the programs of young people; Kenny Smith and many, many 
others who played for the Houston Rockets.
  Might I say that we are still striving, but I know that our day will 
come when we will be national basketball champs. We look forward to 
celebrating the All-Stars in Houston this coming year, and we want to 
thank all of our NBA players for the contributions they have made over 
the years to improving the quality of life of all of our citizens 
across America, and particularly the work they have done in helping us 
with Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita.
  I ask my colleagues to support this legislation. Again, I support 
enthusiastically and congratulate the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. 
Kilpatrick) for her leadership on H. Con. Res. 59 and ask my colleagues 
to support it.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for 
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to support the adoption 
of H. Con. Res. 59.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Biggert). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 
59.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution was 
agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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