Holcombe Rucker Park National Commemorative Site Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I begin by thanking Chairman Bruce Westerman, Ranking Member Raul Grijalva, and of course, the gentlewoman from New York, my colleague, Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez, subcommittee Chairman Tom Tiffany, and subcommittee Ranking Member Joe Neguse for their leadership on this important matter.

Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse went to Rucker Park, and he shot a mean three-pointer. In fact, he earned the name ``Let It Fly,'' Joe Neguse, over the summer.

I also acknowledge the families and community leaders who have championed this cause: the Rucker family, the Marius family, the McCullough family, Bobby Hunter, who was here in one of the hearings, a Harlem Globetrotter, Freddie Crawford, 155 Entertainers LLC, and so many from Harlem, including Manhattan Community Board 10 Parks Chair Horry. I thank them for their unwavering support and dedication in preserving Holcombe Rucker Park's legacy.

Today, I rise in support of H.R. 6852, the Holcombe Rucker Park National Commemorative Site Act. This legislation is more than just a symbolic gesture. It is a commitment to recognizing the historical and cultural significance of one of Harlem's most cherished landmarks.

In the 1950s, Holcombe Rucker, a World War II veteran and a scholar, had a vision for Harlem's youth. He sought to create a space where children of the Harlem community could find refuge from the street, a space that could not only showcase their athletic talents but also push young people toward higher education and economic mobility.

The Rucker Pro League was not just about basketball. It was about giving back and about mentorship, about lifting each other up.

The ``Each One Teach One'' program was Rucker's mantra, a motto that resulted in over 700 scholarships for young athletes.

Through his leadership, Rucker transformed the lives of hundreds, instilling in them the importance of academic achievement and community service.

This park has become a cultural institution where the worlds of sports, music, and education converge.

A generation of athletes like Julius ``Dr. J'' Erving, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James have graced the court.

Beyond the fame, the real legacy of Rucker Park is in the scholarships, the mentorship, and the opportunities of upward mobility it has created for Harlem's youth.

The bill we are considering tonight will grant Federal recognition to Holcombe Rucker Park, helping to preserve this sacred space for future generations.

It ensures that Rucker's commitment to academic excellence, mentorship, and community empowerment is enshrined in our Nation's history. The recognition will highlight its historical significance and ensure its legacy is preserved.

In closing, let me emphasize that this bill isn't just about a historical basketball court. It is about honoring a man who used basketball as a tool for social change, for empowering young people, and for building a brighter future for his community. It is about continuing the legacy of resilience and empowerment that Holcombe Rucker started decades ago.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 6852. Let's honor the history, the culture, and the transformative impact of Holcombe Rucker Park.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source