78R5606 JH-D

By:  Lewis                                                      H.C.R. No. 55 



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, The National Bar Association is holding its 23rd 
Annual Mid-Year Conference and Gertrude E. Rush Award Dinner on 
April 9-13, 2003, in Austin, and this event provides a fitting 
opportunity to honor this outstanding organization; and
	WHEREAS, Established on August 1, 1925, the National Bar 
Association was founded in Des Moines, Iowa, by 12 African American 
pioneers who were united in their dedication to the pursuit of 
justice and civil rights for all people; among the organization's 
founders was Gertrude E. Rush, a Texas native who was the first 
African American woman to practice law in the state of Iowa and the 
namesake of the organization's awards dinner; and
	WHEREAS, The organization, which is headquartered in 
Washington, D.C., is under the astute leadership of Malcolm S. 
Robinson, the group's 60th president; a cofounder and partner in 
the law firm of Robinson & Hoskins L.L.P. in Dallas, Mr. Robinson 
has established himself as a leader in the community, and his 
impressive history of contributions to the area includes service as 
chairman of the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Dallas 
Black Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Dallas Crime Commission, and 
the Board of Trustees for the State Bar of Texas Insurance Trust; 
and
	WHEREAS, Since its inception, the National Bar Association 
has grown both in size and influence; with more than 20,000 members, 
the organization is the country's oldest and largest national 
association of predominately African American lawyers and judges; 
and
	WHEREAS, In addition to providing a professional network for 
its membership, this visionary organization hosts numerous 
noteworthy civic initiatives, including the Black Elderly Legal 
Assistance Support Project; it promotes minority business 
enterprise and development through advocacy, technical assistance, 
and educational programs and advocates for the nomination and 
confirmation of highly qualified African Americans to judicial 
positions; it also supports international nondiscrimination 
programs and was the only bar group sanctioned by the International 
Elections Commission, with members serving as official observers 
for the first all race democratic election conducted in South 
Africa; and
	WHEREAS, Over the last 78 years, the men and women of the 
National Bar Association have worked to build a brighter and more 
promising future for others, and it is a pleasure to recognize them 
at this time; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby commend Malcolm S. Robinson and all those associated with 
the National Bar Association for their dedicated efforts in the 
pursuit of justice and extend to them sincere best wishes for a 
memorable and meaningful visit to Austin; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the National Bar Association as an expression of high 
regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.