[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 119, 109th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
BARNSTORMING AFRICAN-AMERICAN
BASKETBALL TEAMS--RECOGNITION
NOTE: Dec. 22, 2005 -  [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

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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.

Agreed to December 22, 2005.