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H.R. No. 58
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, With the passing of former U.S. Congresswoman
Shirley Chisholm on January 1, 2005, at the age of 80, America has
lost a singular political pioneer, a dedicated champion of the
dispossessed, and a fearless practitioner of the art of speaking
truth to power; and
WHEREAS, Born in 1924 into a world that admitted neither
African Americans nor women into the corridors of power, she went on
to become the first black woman to be elected to Congress and was a
candidate for president in 1972; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her career, she saw herself as a servant
of the citizens who had elected her, and her steadfast refusal to
truckle with special interests was reflected in her slogan,
"Unbought and Unbossed"; and
WHEREAS, Though well known for her powerful, disciplined
intelligence and astute political sense, Ms. Chisholm was also
possessed of a deeply felt compassion for the suffering of her
fellow humans, as when she risked the wrath of her political allies
by visiting the bedside of the segregationist George Wallace after
he was shot and crippled by an attempted assassin; and
WHEREAS, In discussing her legacy, Ms. Chisholm once remarked
that she wanted to be remembered as having "guts," and her unbroken
record of eloquent advocacy on behalf of the poor, the helpless, and
the disenfranchised has ensured that her name will forever be
synonymous with gritty courage and integrity; and
WHEREAS, Shirley Chisholm's dedicated service to her
constituents was but one aspect of her profound effect on the times
in which she lived, and her example will continue to inspire her
fellow Americans as long as honesty and bravery are valued in public
life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of former U.S.
Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That when the Texas House of Representatives
adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Shirley Chisholm.
Davis of Dallas
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 58 was unanimously adopted by a rising
vote of the House on February 3, 2005.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House