109TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. CON. RES. 59
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 
Recognizing the contributions of African-American 
basketball teams and players for their achieve-
ments, dedication, and contributions to the sport 
of basketball and to the Nation.
109TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. CON. RES. 59
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Whereas, even though African-Americans were excluded from 
playing in organized white-only leagues, the desire of Af-
rican-Americans to play basketball could not be re-
pressed; 
Whereas, unlike baseball, which had Negro leagues, basket-
ball had no organized black leagues, thus forcing blacks 
to take to the road out of necessity;
•HCON 59 EH 
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 Globe-
trotters, 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 Bas-
ketball 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 ca-
pable of beating professional teams like the World Cham-
pions 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 barn-
storming teams included players such as Tarzan Cooper, 
Pop Gates, John Isaacs, Willie Smith, Sweetwater Clif-
ton, Ermer Robinson, Bob Douglas, Pappy Ricks, Runt 
Pullins, Goose Tatum, Marques Haynes, Bobby Hall, 
Babe Pressley, Bernie Price, Ted Strong, Inman Jack-
son, Duke Cumberland, Fat Jenkins, Eddie Younger,
•HCON 59 EH 
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, Afri-
can-American basketball players helped break down the 
color barrier and integrate African-Americans into all as-
pects 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 Amer-
ican sport; 
Whereas the Black Legends of Professional Basketball Foun-
dation, founded by former Harlem Globetrotter Dr. John 
Kline, of Detroit, Michigan, honors and highlights the 
significant contributions of these pioneers and their im-
pact on professional basketball today; and 
Whereas the hard work and efforts of the foundation have 
been instrumental in bringing African-American induct-
ees into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 
in Springfield, Massachusetts: Now, therefore, be it
•HCON 59 EH 
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 Foun-
dation, which has recognized and commemorated the 
achievements of African-American basketball teams, 
the National Basketball Association, and the 
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Passed the House of Representatives October 6, 
2005. 
Attest:
Clerk.