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.