78R15248 MMS-D

By:  Farrar                                                       H.R. No. 1256



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Johnny N. Mata of Houston has long rendered 
exceptional service to the Latino community in Texas and to the 
cause of social justice; and
	WHEREAS, Born May 6, 1937, Mr. Mata grew up in Houston's East 
End and attended Austin High School; he later served his country as 
a member of the United States Army, during which time he was posted 
in Germany; while overseas, he made the most of the opportunity to 
explore a variety of European cultures; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Mata returned to Houston following his 
discharge, and in 1968 he joined the staff of the Gulf Coast 
Community Services Association; possessing an inexhaustible energy 
and an unflagging desire to help those struggling to make a better 
life for themselves, he proved an invaluable asset to the agency and 
remained there for 32 years until his retirement in June 2000; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Mata's commitment to a life of service has 
further borne fruit in the creation of the Latino Learning Center, 
Inc., a nonprofit organization that he cofounded in 1979 and that 
provides low-income clients in the Houston area with vocational 
training and other vital assistance; and
	WHEREAS, From the time he was a boy stepping forward to 
confront a school bully, Johnny Mata has also raised his voice 
repeatedly and unhesitatingly against prejudice and injustice; for 
the past 35 years, he has addressed those issues as a leader in the 
League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC); currently 
director of media and communications for LULAC District VIII in the 
Houston area, he has served two terms as Texas state director, two 
terms as state deputy director, and six terms as director of two 
local LULAC districts; and
	WHEREAS, Over the years, Mr. Mata has spoken out forcefully 
about such matters as the deaths of Latino detainees in police 
custody, the lack of Latino representation on grand juries, and 
incendiary ethnic remarks by both local and national figures; a 
well-known and highly regarded community leader, he has spurred 
favorable action on specific concerns from both owners of a local 
professional sports team and the White House; and
	WHEREAS, Through his productive professional career and his  
spirited, unflagging advocacy, Johnny Mata has aided countless 
individuals and contributed immeasurably to building a stronger, 
more just society; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby honor Johnny N. Mata for his inspiring service 
in behalf of LULAC and the people of Houston and extend to him 
sincere appreciation for his steadfast commitment to securing a 
brighter future for residents of the Lone Star State; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mr. Mata as an expression of high regard by the Texas 
House of Representatives.