SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 508

	WHEREAS, The National Bar Association is holding its 23rd 
Annual Mid-Year Conference and Gertrude E. Rush Award Dinner 
April 9 through 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
who became the namesake of the organization's awards dinner; and

	WHEREAS, The organization, which is headquartered in 
Washington, D.C., is under the able 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 contributions to the area include 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 Senate of the State of Texas,
78th 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 a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
the National Bar Association as an expression of high regard from 
the Texas Senate.
                                                                            West




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



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate