78R9394 MDM-D

By:  Olivo                                                        H.R. No. 539



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Clara Caldwell, president of the Texas State A. 
Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) and the Tideland Chapter of APRI, 
has rendered outstanding service to the working people of Texas; 
and
	WHEREAS, APRI is a national organization of black trade 
unionists that builds support in the African American community for 
the trade union movement and that conveys to labor the needs and 
concerns of black Americans; and
	WHEREAS, Mrs. Caldwell began her longtime advocacy for 
working men and women as a union steward while employed with the 
Weingarten grocery chain; she later became vice president of the 
U.F.C.W. (United Food and Commercial Workers) Union Local 455 and 
subsequently joined the union's staff; this esteemed individual has 
also served as Southwest regional director for APRI and as a 
director for the Texas AFL-CIO; and
	WHEREAS, Since her retirement from the Texas Workers' 
Compensation Commission, Mrs. Caldwell has kept a busy schedule 
with her continuing support of the trade union movement; among her 
affiliations are the Galveston County APRI and Houston APRI, the 
Texas State Employees Union/Communications Workers of America, the 
Texas AFL-CIO 250 COPE, and the Labor Council for Latin American 
Advancement; and
	WHEREAS, An engaged citizen, Mrs. Caldwell has participated 
for many years in the political process; currently a member of 
several area Democratic groups, she formerly served as vice chair 
of the Texas Democratic Party and as a member of the National 
Democratic Committee; and
	WHEREAS, From the time she was a young wife and mother, Mrs. 
Caldwell has juggled her work for labor and political causes with 
caring for her family, which now includes six beloved children and 
five cherished grandchildren; dedicated as well to the welfare of 
the community, she is a member of the League of Women Voters, a life 
member of the NAACP, and a board member of Houston's Sunnyside 
Multi-Service Center; moreover, she is a valued and devoted 
congregant of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church; and
	WHEREAS, Clara Caldwell's committed efforts as a community 
volunteer, politically active citizen, and union leader have 
enriched and inspired members of the greater Houston metropolitan 
area and the state, and it is truly a pleasure to join in paying 
tribute to this exemplary Texan; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby commend Clara Caldwell for her dedication to the 
workers and families of Texas and extend to her warmest best wishes 
for continued success and happiness; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mrs. Caldwell as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.


Honoring Clara Caldwell, president of the A. Philip Randolph 
Institute.