By Jones of Dallas                                     H.R. No. 702
         76R11889 MDM-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to
 1-2     commemorate the Founders Day celebration of the Top Ladies of
 1-3     Distinction, Inc., on June 6, 1999; and
 1-4           WHEREAS, The inspiration for this worthy organization
 1-5     originated at a 1964 White House luncheon given by Lady Bird
 1-6     Johnson and attended by an international group of distinguished
 1-7     women who discussed problems facing their nations, and especially
 1-8     young people; one of the attendees, U.S. Air Force Major Ozell
 1-9     Dean, recruited Franchelle Boswell of Tyler to seek out other
1-10     accomplished women to work in behalf of youth in their respective
1-11     communities; and
1-12           WHEREAS, In addition to Major Dean, founding members of the
1-13     Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., include Willie Lee Glass, La Verne
1-14     Madlock, Augusta Cash Latham, and Ruth Payne Smith; also remembered
1-15     for their contributions are those founding members of the
1-16     organization who are no longer with us, including Franchelle
1-17     Boswell, Dr. Ina Bolton Brown, and Georgia B. Nelson Presswood; and
1-18           WHEREAS, Following the 1964 chartering of the initial chapter
1-19     in Tyler, the Top Ladies of Distinction soon formed chapters in
1-20     Houston and Dallas, and throughout the ensuing years this coalition
1-21     of dedicated leaders has blossomed to more than 2,500 members; and
1-22           WHEREAS, The objectives of the Top Ladies of Distinction,
1-23     Inc., have expanded to not only focus on its 5,000-member youth
1-24     division known as the Top Teens of America but also to include
 2-1     improving the status of women, service to seniors, and community
 2-2     beautification; and
 2-3           WHEREAS, The Top Ladies of Distinction supports the National
 2-4     Council of Negro Women, the National Association for the
 2-5     Advancement of Colored People, and the United Negro College Fund;
 2-6     the organization awards national scholarships to one graduating
 2-7     high school student from each area, and it has also instituted a
 2-8     peer education initiative between the Top Teens of America and the
 2-9     March of Dimes; and
2-10           WHEREAS, For 35 years, the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.,
2-11     has exemplified a commitment to bettering the quality of life for
2-12     Texans and all Americans, and it is indeed appropriate that this
2-13     noteworthy organization be commended for its significant efforts in
2-14     this regard; now, therefore, be it
2-15           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
2-16     Legislature hereby recognize June 6, 1999, as Top Ladies of
2-17     Distinction, Inc., Founders Day and extend warmest best wishes to
2-18     its administrators, staff, and members for continued success; and,
2-19     be it further
2-20           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-21     prepared for the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., as an expression
2-22     of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.