(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
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.
[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 59 Introduced in House (IH)]
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
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.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 14, 2005
Ms. Kilpatrick of Michigan (for herself, Mr. Rangel, Mr. Meek of
Florida, Mr. Owens, Mr. Lantos, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Towns, Mr. Capuano,
Mr. McDermott, and Mr. Meeks of New York) submitted the following
concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on
Government Reform
_______________________________________________________________________
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
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.
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
(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.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Government Reform.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
Mr. Duncan moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8659-8662)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 59.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H8659)
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H8659)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
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Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S14408)
Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S14408)
Message on Senate action sent to the House.