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_________________________ 1 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George 2 3 4 A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION 5 6 _________________________ 7 8 9 IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 10 11 _________________________ 12 13 14 To honor and recognize Howard University Bison men’s and women’s basketball teams for their 15 historic 2025–2026 seasons, outstanding achievements, and contributions to the District of 16 Columbia. 17 18 WHEREAS, Howard University, located in the heart of the District of Columbia, stands as 19 one of the nation’s most storied Historically Black Colleges and Universities, with a proud legacy 20 of academic excellence, athletic achievement, and cultural leadership; 21 WHEREAS, the Howard University Bison men’s and women’s basketball programs have 22 long served as pillars of pride for the University community, the District, and HBCU athletics 23 nationwide; 24 WHEREAS, during the 2025–2026 season, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams 25 delivered historic, nationally recognized performances that elevated the profile of Howard 26 University and inspired residents across all eight wards; 27 WHEREAS, the Howard University Bison men’s basketball team, under the leadership of 28 Head Coach Kenny Blakeney in his seventh season, completed a 24–11 overall record and an 11–3 29 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference record, earning the 2026 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference 30 Regular Season Championship; 31
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WHEREAS, the Bison went on to win the 2026 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference 32 Tournament Championship, securing an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and representing 33 the District of Columbia on the national stage; 34 WHEREAS, the men’s coaching staff provided exceptional leadership and development 35 throughout the season, including Head Coach Kenny Blakeney, Associate Head Coaches Rod 36 Balanis and Nate James, and Assistant Coaches Tramel Raggs and Thomas Weaver; 37 WHEREAS, the Howard University Bison women’s basketball team completed a 38 trailblazing 2025–2026 campaign, demonstrating excellence, resilience, and national-caliber 39 competitiveness; 40 WHEREAS, the women’s coaching staff provided outstanding leadership and mentorship, 41 including Head Coach Ty Grace in her 11th season, Associate Head Coach Brian Davis, and 42 Assistant Coaches Dr. Montel Jones and Casey Monroe-Gaskin; 43 WHEREAS, the women’s basketball team featured a dynamic and diverse group of student-44 athletes whose talent, teamwork, and academic commitment exemplify the mission and values of 45 Howard University; 46 WHEREAS, both teams exemplified the highest standards of sportsmanship, academic 47 excellence, and community engagement, uplifting the University and the District through service, 48 leadership, and representation; 49 WHEREAS, the players, coaches, staff, families, alumni, and supporters contributed 50 immeasurably to these historic seasons, demonstrating the power of collective effort and the 51 importance of investing in equitable athletic opportunities for District youth; and 52
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WHEREAS, the achievements of the 2025–2026 Bison men’s and women’s basketball 53 teams continue Howard University’s legacy of excellence and inspire future generations of athletes, 54 scholars, and community leaders. 55 RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, that this 56 resolution may be cited as the “Howard University Bison Basketball Historic 2025–2026 Seasons 57 Recognition Resolution of 2026”. 58 Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia honors and recognizes the Howard 59 University Bison men’s and women’s basketball teams for their historic achievements and 60 contributions to the District. 61 Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately. 62