By:  Giddings                                          H.R. No. 295
       73R4741 SDU-D
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, The dedicated efforts of Texas history scholars such
    1-2  as Dr. Alwyn Barr have played a vital role in making Texans aware
    1-3  of the lasting but all too often unsung contributions that people
    1-4  of African ancestry have made to the greatness of this state; and
    1-5        WHEREAS, Dr. Barr is a professor of history at Texas Tech
    1-6  University in Lubbock and the widely regarded author of Black
    1-7  Texans, A History of Negroes in Texas, 1528-1971; and
    1-8        WHEREAS, A native of Austin, this exceptional individual
    1-9  received his doctorate in history at The University of Texas at
   1-10  Austin and began his teaching career at Purdue University in West
   1-11  Lafayette, Indiana, where he created the school's first
   1-12  African-American studies course; and
   1-13        WHEREAS, After accepting a teaching position with Texas Tech
   1-14  University, he established that institution's first
   1-15  African-American studies course as well and later served as
   1-16  chairman of the history department; and
   1-17        WHEREAS, Through his devotion and hard work, Dr. Barr has
   1-18  significantly raised awareness of the role played by
   1-19  African-Americans in shaping Texas' history; his contribution has
   1-20  profoundly benefited his native state and the nation at large and
   1-21  is indeed deserving of special legislative recognition and praise;
   1-22  now, therefore, be it
   1-23        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas
   1-24  Legislature hereby honor Dr. Alwyn Barr for his outstanding
    2-1  contributions to the study of the history of African-Americans in
    2-2  Texas and extend to him best wishes for continued success and
    2-3  happiness in the future; and, be it further
    2-4        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
    2-5  prepared for Dr. Barr as an expression of high regard by the Texas
    2-6  House of Representatives.