Representative Espaillat Presents Congressional Testimony Urging Federal Designation of Holcombe Rucker Park

Watch Today's Congressional Hearing
 
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) welcomed Harlem Globetrotter and International Goodwill Ambassador Bobby "Zorro" Hunter to Washington, DC to offer congressional testimony before the U.S. Natural Resources Committee Federal Lands Subcommittee in support of H.R.6852 - Holcombe Rucker Park Landmark Act, introduced by Espaillat earlier this Congress.

The following are remarks by Rep. Espaillat, as prepared for delivery:

"Good morning, Esteemed Members of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands. Thank you to the Rucker Family, Marius Family, the McCullough Family, Manhattan Community Board 10 Parks Chair Horry, and other Harlem leaders who are here in person or watching virtually in support of H.R. 6852 - the Holcombe Rucker Park Landmark Act. 

Before I begin, I would like to motion to submit roughly 25 letters from community leaders in support of the Holcombe Rucker Park Landmark Act into the record.

Today, I stand before you to advocate for a cause that is not only rooted in history but also deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of our nation - the federal recognition of Holcombe Rucker Park. 

In the 1950s, Holcombe Rucker, a WWII veteran and scholar, had a vision. A vision to provide a safe haven for the youth of Harlem, to steer them away from the streets and towards higher education. Rucker initiated the "Rucker Pro League," a basketball tournament that promoted athleticism AND emphasized academic excellence. Weekend afternoons in the 1960s and 70s saw the convergence of basketball legends at Rucker Park. From Julius "Dr. J" Erving to Bobby "Zorro" Hunter, from Nate "Tiny" Archibald to Wilt Chamberlin and Connie Hawkins, the court witnessed unparalleled talent and fierce competition.

Rucker's motto of "each one teach one" underscored his commitment to mentorship and academic achievement, leading to 700 scholarships for aspiring athletes. In 1967, Rucker legend Robert "Bob" McCullough, whose Rucker Documentary film producer son, Bob McCullough Jr. is here with us, founded Each One Teach One, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth, carrying forward Rucker's legacy. 

Throughout the years, Rucker Park evolved, embracing the intersection of sports and culture. Greg Marius, founder of the Entertainers Basketball Classic, bridged the worlds of basketball and hip-hop, transforming Rucker into a cultural phenomenon. Eventually, multiple NBA players, such as Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Lebron James, Jamal Crawford, Lamar Odom, and Kareem Abdul-Jabber, participated in the Park’s basketball tournament before becoming famous in NBA history. In June 2017, New York City honored Marius by renaming the Park’s court after him, recognizing his pivotal role in preserving and shaping the park's legacy.
 
Rucker Park isn't just a basketball court; it's a symbol of resilience, empowerment, and unity. It has inspired generations of athletes and served as a catalyst for social change. 

Today, I urge you to support H.R.6852. By granting federal recognition to Rucker Park, we can ensure its preservation for future generations. We can honor its rich history, celebrate its cultural significance, and continue its legacy of mentorship and community empowerment. Together, let us ensure that Rucker Park remains a shining example of the power of sports to uplift and unite us all.

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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fourth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 118th Congress. He is also a member of the House Budget Committee and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Deputy Chair as well as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI). Rep. Espaillat is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov