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