By Davis H.R. No. 690 75R12836 BNL-D 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.