78R9395 MDM-D

By:  Olivo                                                        H.R. No. 540



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, For nearly four decades, the A. Philip Randolph 
Institute (APRI) has been committed to bettering the quality of 
life for working Americans; and
	WHEREAS, APRI was founded in 1965 by A. Philip Randolph, a 
prominent labor leader and founder of the modern civil rights 
movement, and Bayard Rustin, a civil rights and labor activist who 
was instrumental in organizing the 1963 March on Washington for 
Jobs and Freedom; and
	WHEREAS, Today, APRI members participate in some 150 chapters 
in 36 states to achieve the organization's mission of racial 
equality and economic justice; in furtherance of its goals, APRI 
works through the democratic process locally and nationally to keep 
the focus on social, economic, labor, and political issues; and
	WHEREAS, The organization's black labor alliance encourages 
community support for the trade union movement and promotes 
awareness of the needs and concerns of African Americans; this 
alliance was active in the successful effort to win passage of the 
Voting Rights Act in 1965 and renewal and strengthening of that act 
in 1982; and
	WHEREAS, In 2003, Clara Caldwell, a Texan and longtime trade 
union leader, assumed the presidency of APRI; she follows Norman 
Hill, who served as executive director under the two founders and as 
president from 1980 until Mrs. Caldwell's elevation to the post; 
also helping to guide APRI is Leon Lynch, chairman of the board; and
	WHEREAS, APRI continues to pursue the dream of a society 
where the civil rights of all are vigilantly protected and where 
every member has access to health care, employment, and a decent 
standard of living; in striving to make these concerns part of the 
national agenda, it does an enormous service to the residents of 
this state and country; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby honor the A. Philip Randolph Institute for its 
unwavering dedication to social and economic justice for all 
Americans and extend to all those associated with this vital 
organization best wishes for success in their future endeavors; 
and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the A. Philip Randolph Institute as an expression of 
high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.