78R14872 MDM-D

By:  Dukes                                                        H.R. No. 1070



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, On May 10, 2003, the Villager celebrates 30 years of 
service to the residents of Austin, and this event is indeed 
deserving of special notice; and
	WHEREAS, Publisher Tommy Wyatt began what was originally a 
one-man operation in 1973 as a four-page tabloid devoted mainly to 
the African-American citizenry in the Capitol City; the newspaper 
emphasized the community's history and offered readers positive 
news stories; and
	WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Villager has been involved 
with issues important to local citizens, including neighborhood 
revitalization and the right of clinic-card holders to have a 
choice of pharmacies from which to buy their prescriptions; and
	WHEREAS, Supporting youth on their path to become writers and 
community leaders has been a high priority of the publication 
through its Youth Brigade initiative; during anniversary 
festivities, former Youth Brigade members are paying tribute to 
their mentor with a special program honoring Mr. Wyatt; and
	WHEREAS, As a lasting tribute to Mr. Wyatt and his commitment 
to the youth of his community, Congressman Lloyd Doggett and Ada 
Anderson, cochairs of the Villager's 30th anniversary celebration, 
announced the establishment of the $50,000 Tommy L. Wyatt 
Scholarship Endowment Fund at Huston-Tillotson College; and
	WHEREAS, For three decades, the Villager has worked in behalf 
of the people of Austin, and it is fitting that this respected 
periodical be honored for its notable achievements at this time; 
now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby commend publisher Tommy Wyatt and the staff of 
the Villager for 30 years of exceptional service to the citizens of 
Austin and Central Texas and that they be extended best wishes for 
success in the years to come; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the Villager as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.