SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 95
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to pay 
tribute to Rufus Winfield Johnson on the grand occasion of his 
95th birthday; and
	WHEREAS, Rufus Johnson was born in Maryland on May 1, 1911; 
he moved to Coatesville, Pennsylvania, to live with an aunt after 
the death of his mother when he was four years old; there he 
completed high school and worked in a steel mill for two years 
before moving to Washington, D.C.; and
	WHEREAS, In 1930, he began studies at Howard University, 
and he completed the requirements for a law degree in 1939; while 
attending college, he worked as a lifeguard and at the White 
House for special events, and later he served as a butler for 
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt from 1941 to 1942; and
	WHEREAS, When First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt learned that 
Rufus was working 12-hour days and at the same time preparing to 
take the bar examination, she had a desk set up in the White House 
and told him to study during the two hours she had arranged for 
him to serve tea; he took the bar examination in September, 1942, 
and did not learn for six months that he had passed, because he 
was a member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps and had been 
called to active duty in October, 1942; and
	WHEREAS, During World War II, he served as an officer with 
the 92nd Infantry Division in the famed all-black unit known as 
the Buffalo Soldiers; noted for his fearless leadership, his 
tireless devotion to duty, and his sound tactical decisions, he 
earned the admiration and respect of all who served with him; he 
was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Combat 
Infantryman Badge and received a special regimental citation for 
bravery; he was called to duty and served again during the Korean 
War; he attained the rank of lieutenant colonel; and
	WHEREAS, After returning to Washington, D.C., Mr. Johnson 
began practicing law; in one particular case in the 1960s that 
would earn him renown, he argued successfully before the 
California Supreme Court in defense of the First Amendment rights 
of American Indians; and
	WHEREAS, Rufus Johnson is a revered and respected member of 
his community who has had a positive impact on the lives of many 
people; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
79th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby extend to 
Rufus Winfield Johnson best wishes for a wonderful 95th 
birthday celebration; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
him as a memento of this special occasion.
                                                                           Madla




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on April 27, 2006.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate