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H.R. No. 704
R E S O L U T I O N
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 House of Representatives of the 78th Texas
Legislature 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.
Lewis
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 704 was adopted by the House on April
10, 2003, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House