By:  Ellis                                       S.R. No. 923
    1-1                           SENATE RESOLUTION
    1-2        WHEREAS, BLACK EXPO USA is a national traveling business
    1-3  trade show that brings together African American entrepreneurs and
    1-4  consumers and is a powerful cultural and economic event that is vital
    1-5  to the minority communities; and
    1-6        WHEREAS, Its primary focus is to make the public aware of the
    1-7  minority services and businesses available to the black community
    1-8  both locally and nationally; and
    1-9        WHEREAS, Founded five years ago in New York City by
   1-10  Jerry Roebuck, the exposition will visit 14 American cities,
   1-11  including Houston, Texas, and has been termed "the biggest event in
   1-12  the history of Black America"; and
   1-13        WHEREAS, BLACK EXPO USA will have a financial impact on
   1-14  African American economic development in Houston by providing a
   1-15  visual array of services and products for consumers and by
   1-16  encouraging entrepreneurship among the young people in the
   1-17  Houston area; and
   1-18        WHEREAS, An inspirational role model, Jerry Roebuck learned
   1-19  the importance of economic growth at an early age from his father,
   1-20  who held two jobs to support his family; Jerry became an entrepreneur
   1-21  at age 10 when he managed a newspaper service; in high school he
   1-22  began learning the mechanics of entertainment promotions and, while
   1-23  attending the City College of the University of New York, he launched
    2-1  a full-time career in the field; as a teacher in the New York public
    2-2  school system he developed a Junior Business League program for his
    2-3  students; and
    2-4        WHEREAS, Dedicated to giving something back to his community,
    2-5  Jerry Roebuck conceived of the idea of BLACK EXPO USA to help
    2-6  African Americans learn of the wide range of black-owned
    2-7  businesses; and
    2-8        WHEREAS, Recognized for his achievements by
    2-9  Who's Who in Black America, Mr. Roebuck was also named
   2-10  Entrepreneur of the Year by the National Association of Market
   2-11  Developers; as a member of Olmec Corporation's board of directors he
   2-12  freely gives his time to several business and community-based
   2-13  organizations across the country; and
   2-14        WHEREAS, People of all ages will enjoy BLACK EXPO USA,
   2-15  which has something to offer for the entire family while providing
   2-16  exposure to potential customers and clients for minority businesses;
   2-17  now, therefore, be it
   2-18        RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
   2-19  73rd Legislature, hereby recognize BLACK EXPO USA for its invaluable
   2-20  contributions to African Americans; and, be it further
   2-21        RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
   2-22  Jerry Roebuck as an expression of the appreciation and high regard of
   2-23  the Texas Senate.
   2-24                                 _____________________________________
   2-25                                        President of the Senate
    3-1                                      I hereby certify that the
    3-2                                 above Resolution was adopted by
    3-3                                 the Senate on May 12, 1993.
    3-4                                 _____________________________________
    3-5                                        Secretary of the Senate
    3-6                                 _____________________________________
    3-7                                         Member, Texas Senate