By Giddings H.R. No. 177 76R6027 BE-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Talent, intellect, and the courage of conviction are 1-2 measures often used to determine and to define individuality, and 1-3 they are measures that justly describe Ossie Davis, for he is a 1-4 multi-talented actor and director, a respected writer and thinker, 1-5 and a man of singular force and self-knowledge; and 1-6 WHEREAS, From his birth in Cogdell, Georgia, on December 18, 1-7 1917, through his years as a student at Howard University in the 1-8 1930s, and continuing even into the waning years of the 20th 1-9 century, Ossie Davis has moved ever forward in his search for 1-10 equality and justice for all people of the world; and 1-11 WHEREAS, He has acted on stage, screen, and television and 1-12 is a noted writer and producer of thought-provoking, engaging 1-13 entertainment; foremost in his work, however, is the commitment to 1-14 represent his community responsibly and in a positive manner; and 1-15 WHEREAS, In addition, Mr. Davis has contributed countless 1-16 hours of his time to benefit community and national action groups, 1-17 ranging from the National Council of the Arts, Sciences, and 1-18 Professions, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and the 1-19 National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; and 1-20 WHEREAS, His successful professional life has been surpassed 1-21 only by the rewards of his longtime marriage with the actress Ruby 1-22 Dee; and 1-23 WHEREAS, His presence at the February 1999 ceremonies in 1-24 Dallas for the release of a postage stamp honoring civil rights 2-1 figure Malcolm X is most fitting; in February of 1965 Mr. Davis 2-2 bravely delivered the eulogy at the funeral for the slain activist, 2-3 committing forever to this nation's conscience the memory of that 2-4 "stormy, controversial, and bold young captain"; and 2-5 WHEREAS, It is indeed a great pleasure to welcome Mr. Davis 2-6 to Texas and to honor his courage and talent, for he is an 2-7 inspiration and an example for all; now, therefore, be it 2-8 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-9 Legislature hereby commend Ossie Davis for his unwavering 2-10 commitment to American civil rights and his many contributions to 2-11 the entertainment industry, and extend to him warmest best wishes 2-12 for continued happiness and success; and, be it further 2-13 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-14 prepared for Mr. Davis as an expression of high regard by the Texas 2-15 House of Representatives.