R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, During the week of May 11-17, 1997, the people of

 1-2     Dallas will host their second annual celebration of National Black

 1-3     Child Development Week, a distinguished event that seeks to call

 1-4     attention to the unique challenges and opportunities facing

 1-5     African-American children in the United States; and

 1-6           WHEREAS, This commendable event is sponsored by the National

 1-7     Black Child Development Institute, a national, nonprofit,

 1-8     charitable organization dedicated to improving the health and

 1-9     well-being of African-American children at both the national and

1-10     local levels; since 1970, the institute has sponsored tutorial

1-11     programs, cultural heritage programs, and adoption initiatives for

1-12     abandoned and neglected children, all while educating the public

1-13     about crucial public policy issues and providing direct services to

1-14     families; and

1-15           WHEREAS, Recognizing the institute's many admirable and

1-16     successful efforts, Pat A. Wesley initiated a local celebration of

1-17     National Black Child Development Week in 1996; Ms. Wesley is the

1-18     founder of Shaun Children's Place, a community-based child-care

1-19     center in Dallas that provides quality care for children

1-20     representing a wide range of skills and abilities; named a Point of

1-21     Light by President George Bush, the center also provides support

1-22     groups, mentor programs, a referral service, and a food pantry for

1-23     area families, and in doing so, it has become a model for similar

1-24     centers throughout the state; and

 2-1           WHEREAS, This year's observance of National Black Child

 2-2     Development Week in Dallas will include a news conference, a

 2-3     children's parade, and a preschool track and field day and will

 2-4     culminate with the Award of Excellence Banquet, which will pay

 2-5     tribute to 12 outstanding area honorees; and

 2-6           WHEREAS, The National Black Child Development Institute and

 2-7     Shaun Children's Place share a vision for our future, a vision in

 2-8     which community, state, and national leaders join forces to put the

 2-9     needs of our children above all else; by taking positive action at

2-10     both the local and national levels, these organizations have

2-11     ensured a brighter, healthier future for countless children, and

2-12     our society is truly the better for their efforts; now, therefore,

2-13     be it

2-14           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

2-15     Legislature hereby recognize May 11-17, 1997, as National Black

2-16     Child Development Week and extend to all participants best wishes

2-17     for a successful and memorable event; and, be it further

2-18           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

2-19     prepared for the National Black Child Development Institute and

2-20     Shaun Children's Place as an expression of high regard by the Texas

2-21     House of Representatives.

                                                                       Davis

                                             _______________________________

                                                   Speaker of the House

               I certify that H.R. No. 690 was adopted by the House on May

         2, 1997, by a non-record vote.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Chief Clerk of the House