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78R8256 JHS-D

By:  Lewis                                                      H.C.R. No. 79 



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, The passing of Dr. Marion Jack Brooks of Fort Worth 
on March 3, 2003, at the age of 83, has brought a great loss to the 
family, friends, and fellow citizens of this esteemed gentleman, 
and it is indeed appropriate to recognize his life and many 
accomplishments at this time; and
	WHEREAS, A native of Fort Worth, Dr. Brooks was born to Roy 
and Eula Brooks on February 15, 1920; he was a graduate of I. M. 
Terrell High School and Prairie View A&M University and earned his 
medical degree from Howard University in 1951 before he returned to 
his hometown, becoming one of Fort Worth's first African-American 
physicians; and
	WHEREAS, Dr. Brooks and his wife of 57 years, Marie Norris 
Brooks, were united in marriage on Christmas Day in 1945, and their 
long and loving union was blessed with 5 children, 10 
grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren; and
	WHEREAS, A man of ambition, vision, and compassion, Dr. 
Brooks was a noted leader in the civil rights movement who worked 
tirelessly to integrate Fort Worth's hospitals for patients as well 
as doctors; his efforts resulted in greater opportunities for 
African-American physicians and increased health care options for 
black patients in Fort Worth; and 
	WHEREAS, Dr. Brooks achieved many firsts during his rich and 
rewarding life; in 1958, he and his brother, Donald Brooks, joined 
together to open a medical clinic; in 1961, he became the first 
African American to be named to the city's park board; and in 1962, 
he and his wife helped to create Morningside United Methodist 
Church; and
	WHEREAS, In his role as an activist, Dr. Brooks founded the 
Tarrant County Precinct Council and the Sickle Cell Anemia 
Association of Texas, two organizations that sought to give a voice 
to underrepresented groups; he overcame adversity throughout his 
life and encouraged his children to embrace the opportunities 
available to them and to follow their dreams; and
	WHEREAS, Dr. Brooks was honored in 1994 with the first Dr. 
Marion Brooks Annual Living Legend Award presented by the 
Renaissance Cultural Center; his receipt of this eponymous award 
was indeed deserved, as Dr. Brooks devoted his life to pursuing 
equality in the fields of health care, education, and voting 
rights; and
	WHEREAS, Though he will be missed by all who knew and loved 
him, Dr. Marion Jack Brooks has left a legacy for family and friends 
to embrace and continue to support, and his memory will remain for 
many years to come in the thoughts, words, and deeds of those 
individuals who shared his life; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby pay tribute to the life of Dr. Marion Jack Brooks and extend 
sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Marie 
Norris Brooks; to his children, Roy C. Brooks, Clarence Brooks, 
Carol E. Brooks, Marian Brooks Bryant, and Marie Brooks Washington; 
to his brother, Donald Brooks; to his 10 grandchildren and 3 
great-grandchildren; and to the many other individuals who were 
privileged to share in the life of this exemplary gentleman; and, be 
it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of 
Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of 
Dr. Marion Jack Brooks.