[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 59 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]


        H.Con.Res.59
                                     Agreed to December 22, 2005        

                       One Hundred Ninth Congress

                                 of the

                        United States of America


                          AT THE FIRST SESSION

          Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
            the fourth day of January, two thousand and five


                          Concurrent Resolution

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.
  Attest:

                                 Clerk of the House of Representatives.

  Attest:

                                               Secretary of the Senate.