SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 752
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
recognize Willie Jerry Jones, Sr., on his retirement after 41 
years of outstanding service to the Walker and Trinity counties 
branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored 
People (NAACP); and
	WHEREAS, Willie Jones helped establish the Walker and 
Trinity counties branch of the NAACP, which was officially 
recognized in July of 1961; he was elected president of the 
organization and served with distinction as its leader until his 
recent retirement in December; and
	WHEREAS, A renowned figure in the area's civil rights 
movement, he helped desegregate hotels, restaurants, and bus 
stations and opened doors to equality for African Americans; and
	WHEREAS, In 1965, Willie Jones was recognized by
President Lyndon B. Johnson, who named him and his late wife, 
Mary, "Texas Ambassadors" to his inauguration; Willie was also 
invited to the inauguration of Governor John Connally, and he 
participated in the signing of a hate crimes bill at the 
invitation of Governor Ann Richards; and
	WHEREAS, In recognition of his loyal and exemplary service 
to civil rights, the Walker and Trinity counties branch of the 
NAACP will honor Mr. Jones at a banquet on May 10, 2003;
Gary Bledsoe, state president of the NAACP, will address the 
gathering and offer his congratulations to the retiring civil 
rights leader; proceeds from the banquet will go toward a 
scholarship fund for youth from Walker and Trinity counties; and

	WHEREAS, Willie Jones has dedicated his life to the cause 
of civil rights, and his leadership has been an invaluable asset 
to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 
and the citizens of Walker and Trinity counties; now, therefore, 
be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, hereby commend Willie Jerry Jones, Sr.,
on his 41 years of exceptional service to the NAACP and extend 
best wishes to him for the future; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
                                                                           Ogden




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on May 6, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate