Representative Adriano Espaillat Applauds Final Passage of His Legislation Recognizing Harlem's Holcombe Rucker Park as a National Commemorative Site

NEW YORK, NY - Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) announced the final passage of his bill, H.R. 6852, the Holcombe Rucker Park Commemorative Site Act, which was successfully passed in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate and will soon be signed into law.

"It has been my esteemed honor to introduce federal legislation recognizing the tremendous impact of the Harlem community, designating the Holcombe Rucker Park as a national commemorative site," said Espaillat. "I am deeply appreciative of each of the community advocates for helping get this bill across the finish line, enshrining Harlem as America's basketball mecca, the legacy of Holcombe Rucker, and empowering New York youth for generations to come. Thank you to my colleagues, Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, for your collaborative efforts to secure Senate passage of the bill. I look forward to this historic piece of legislation for my district to head to the President's desk to be signed into law."

"The Holcombe Rucker Family has always appreciated the support and steadfastness of Congressman Adriano Espaillat in sticking with H.R. 6852 and finally bringing the Holcombe Rucker Park to life as a historic landmark. The wait is over thanks to you. Finally, the complete story of Holcombe Rucker's legacy and Holcombe Rucker Park will be properly preserved. We thank you. The impact and respect on the lives of the Harlem community, local, regional, national, international, and global can now shine as a 21st Century Impact beacon of a structured socioeconomic platform pioneered by Holcombe Rucker. Thank you, forever in the hearts of the Holcombe Rucker Family, Congressman Adriano Espaillat. This is a giant achievement by a giant politician. Blessings on you sir," said Phil Rucker, on behalf of the Rucker family.

"The national landmarking of the Holcombe Rucker Park will not only preserve the Central Harlem iconic park's legacy but also ensure that future generations will be able to appreciate its role in shaping the cultural and sporting landscape of our nation. Manhattan Community Board 10 expresses its utmost gratitude to Congressman Espaillat for his phenomenal diligence and perseverance in advancing H.R. 6852 to garner unanimous support from both the House of Representatives and the Senate and now on to President Biden. The fruition of this historic 118th Congress legislation is an epic tribute to the legacy of this compelling American history and the celebration of the cultural diversity it represents. We look forward to the presidential confirmation," said Karen Horry, Chair, Parks and Recreation Committee for the Manhattan Community Board 10.

"On behalf of the Marius family, we express our sincere gratitude to Congressman Espaillat for his hard work and dedication throughout this year. He persistently pushed bill H.R. 6852 to be recognized as the commemorative site that it is, and we are truly grateful! You have preserved the legacy for many families to secure the future for our youth as well. What an amazing accomplishment! We are elated just knowing that Holcombe Rucker Park will become one of our nation's historic landmark preservations," said Stacey Marius on behalf of the Marius family.

"As the Commissioner of Rucker Park, I want to emphasize that Rucker Park has been a vital part of the globalization of basketball as the first All-Pro Summer Basketball League since 1965, where legendary players such as Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Connie Hawkins, and Julius "Dr. J" Erving-along with members of the Harlem Globetrotters-have graced the court. Congressman Adriano Espaillat has honored Rucker Park with recognition as a National Landmark and commemorative site. It is with sincere and deep gratitude that we receive the news of the passage of H.R. 6852 in both the House and Senate, championed by Congressman Espaillat. The tireless dedication of Fred Crawford, Bob, and the entire McCullough family has been profoundly recognized by our nation. Their commitment to the Harlem community is validated through this significant achievement. The impactful work of the National Association of Each One Teach One Inc., along with the Rucker Pro League and Rucker Pro Legends, is further invigorated as we honor the legacy and vision of our patriarch, Holcombe L. Rucker," said Bob McCullough and on behalf of the McCullough family.

"There were great mentors at Rucker park, teaching you right and wrong, and to further your studies so that you could help your community. I was one of them. I went from Rucker to Stanford University," said Bobby Hunter, a.k.a. Zorro, a Rucker Park legend and famed Harlem Globetrotter. "We commend Congressman Espaillat for this once in a lifetime recognition of the Holcombe Rucker Parker and look forward to many years of collaboration to further the park's success under this new national designation."

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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 [email protected]