R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, On May 15, 1999, residents of Joppa will mark a 1-2 momentous occasion in the history of their community when they 1-3 dedicate a street as Foster's Crossing in memory of renowned civic 1-4 leaders P. H. and Laura Belle Foster; and 1-5 WHEREAS, Highly respected for their leadership and commitment 1-6 to their fellow citizens, the Fosters devoted much time and energy 1-7 during their lifetime to the betterment of their close-knit 1-8 community; Foster's Crossing and the bronze markers that will be 1-9 unveiled at the dedication will be visible reminders of the 1-10 couple's dedication to the South Central Dallas community where 1-11 they lived and raised their family; and 1-12 WHEREAS, Mrs. Foster organized the South Central Civic League 1-13 in 1948, under the auspices of the Dallas Negro Chamber of 1-14 Commerce, to improve living conditions for local families; 1-15 Mr. Foster served as vice president of the organization and was 1-16 instrumental in the completion of many projects that benefited the 1-17 neighborhood, including the addition of paved streets, better 1-18 schools, the installation of street lights, and sewer line 1-19 extensions; and 1-20 WHEREAS, Founded by former slave Henry Hines, Joppa was 1-21 settled in the late 1800s and is considered one of the country's 1-22 most historic African-American freedmen's towns; it was named for 1-23 the biblical city of Joppa, meaning "beautiful" or "the beginning," 1-24 according to local ministers; and 2-1 WHEREAS, The Fosters demonstrated great determination and 2-2 perseverance in improving the community they called home, and it is 2-3 most appropriate that we pay tribute to their myriad achievements 2-4 at this time; now, therefore, be it 2-5 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-6 Legislature hereby commemorate the dedication of Foster's Crossing 2-7 and honor the memory of P. H. and Laura Belle Foster for their 2-8 myriad contributions to the community of Joppa. Giddings _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 951 was adopted by the House on May 14, 1999, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House