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 Min-
neapolis 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;
H. Con. Res. 59—2
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, barn-
storming 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 concur-
ring), That—
(1) Congress recognizes the teams and players of the barn-
storming African-American basketball teams for their achieve-
ment, 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
H. Con. Res. 59—3
(3) a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Black 
Legends of Professional Basketball Foundation, which has rec-
ognized and commemorated the achievements of African-Amer-
ican 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.