SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 334

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
recognize Sonceria "Sonny" Messiah-Jiles for her exceptional 
contributions to the Houston community; and

	WHEREAS, Sonny Messiah-Jiles was honored by the 
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County at its recent 
Black Heritage Luncheon on February 21, 2003; and

	WHEREAS, In 1981, at the age of 27, Sonny Messiah-Jiles 
purchased the Houston Defender newspaper; since that time, the 
newspaper has tripled its circulation to approximately 32,000; 
and

	WHEREAS, For her outstanding work as the newspaper's owner 
and publisher, Sonny has been recognized by the American Civil 
Liberties Union; she has also received the National Newspaper 
Publishers Association's A. Phillip Randolph Messenger Award for 
excellence among African American publishers in news, 
commentary, and editorial writing; and

	WHEREAS, Sonny Messiah-Jiles provides leadership, 
support, and encouragement to the members of her community, and 
her popular newspaper's following will undoubtedly continue to 
grow; now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, hereby commend Sonceria Messiah-Jiles for her 
outstanding work as the owner of the Houston Defender and her 
commitment to the betterment of the Houston community; and, be it 
further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
her as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
                                                                        Gallegos




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on March 10, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate