H.R. No. 213



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The people of San Antonio are indeed privileged to 
welcome the internationally renowned author, performer, and 
activist Maya Angelou as part of the city's celebration of Black 
History Month, and this auspicious occasion offers apt opportunity 
to reflect on this distinguished visitor's many contributions to 
American life; and
	WHEREAS, A native of St. Louis, Dr. Angelou received her 
formal education in the public schools of Stamps, Arkansas, and San 
Francisco, California, and the rhythms of her poetry and elegance 
of her prose have inspired countless individuals; and
	WHEREAS, Dr. Angelou's great gifts have found expression in 
an astonishing variety of forms, and among her best-known works are 
the autobiographical novel I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which 
was nominated for a National Book Award, and the poem "On the Pulse 
of Morning," which was written and read in honor of President Bill 
Clinton's inauguration; and
	WHEREAS, In 1959, Dr. Angelou was tapped by Dr. Martin Luther 
King, Jr., as the northern coordinator for the Southern Christian 
Leadership Conference, and in the years since she has continued to 
give of her time and talent in behalf of the greater good, serving 
as an ambassador for UNICEF International and on the U.S. Holocaust 
Memorial Museum Committee; and
	WHEREAS, The recipient of honorary doctorates from numerous 
institutions of higher learning, Dr. Angelou is the first Reynolds 
Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University, a position 
she has held since 1981; and
	WHEREAS, Among the many honors she has been accorded are the 
Presidential Medal of Arts, the Alston/Jones Civil and Human Rights 
Award, the North Carolina Award in Literature, and a Grammy for Best 
Spoken Word Album; and
	WHEREAS, While the depth and breadth of her accomplishments 
have assured Dr. Angelou a place in this country's history, she 
continues to take her message of hope and inspiration to 
appreciative audiences, and the sheer beauty of her words ensure 
that all who hear her have a truly meaningful and memorable 
experience; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby welcome Dr. Maya Angelou to Texas and honor her 
for her remarkable literary achievements; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Dr. Angelou as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.

                                                                       McClendon

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 213 was adopted by the House on 
February 15, 2005, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House