MS SC526

Expresses the legislature's deepest sympathy on the passing of Lucy Harris on January 18, 2022, and honors her legacy as a pioneer of women's basketball.

Recognizes Harris's accomplishments including winning three national basketball titles at Delta State University, scoring the first basket in the 1976 Olympic Games for women, and being the first and only Black woman officially drafted by an NBA team (New Orleans Jazz in 1977).

Notes Harris became the first Black woman inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992 and finished her college career with 2,981 points, 1,662 rebounds, and a 109-6 team record at Delta State.

Acknowledges the documentary film "The Queen of Basketball" which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2021 and was executive produced by Shaquille O'Neal to tell Harris's story.

Directs that this resolution be presented to Harris's family, forwarded to Delta State University's Athletic Department, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.