A JOINT RESOLUTION honoring the founders of the ciaa basketball tournament while observing the tournament's sixtieth ANNIVERSARY.
Whereas, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), established in 1912, is the oldest African‑American athletic conference in the nation; and
Whereas, the CIAA is currently composed of 12 historically black colleges and universities, including Bowie State University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, North Carolina Central University, St. Augustine's College, St. Paul's College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston‑Salem State University; and
Whereas, one of the CIAA's most popular athletic competitions is the conference's annual basketball tournament, which began in 1946; and
Whereas, the CIAA basketball tournament has grown from 3,000 fans in its first year of competition to more than 104,000 fans in 2004; and
Whereas, in 2004, the tournament had an economic impact of over 11.5 million dollars for the host city of Raleigh and generated more than $787,000 in general scholarships for member institutions; and
Whereas, during the tournament, fans from across the nation gather for a weeklong competition of basketball and other social events and participate in such activities as college recruitment, health screenings, and job fairs; and
Whereas, on the 60th anniversary of the tournament, it is only fitting to pay tribute to the founders of the tournament, Coaches John B. McLendon, Jr., Talmadge Hall, John Burr, and Harry Jefferson; and
Whereas, the late John B. McLendon, Jr., often referred to as "Mr. Basketball," served as Coach of the North Carolina Central University's men's basketball team from 1937 to 1952 and was instrumental in the team winning the first CIAA basketball championship; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors John B. McLendon, Jr., Talmadge Hall, John Burr, and Harry Jefferson for their role in establishing the CIAA basketball tournament.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly congratulates the CIAA member institutions on 60 years of outstanding basketball competition.
SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the CIAA.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.