SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 116
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
recognize the Reverend Johnnie Washington, who stepped down
from her position as president of the El Paso Chapter of the 
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in 
December, 2004, after 22 years of outstanding service; and
	WHEREAS, Reverend Washington is now president emeritus of 
the organization and plans to write a book about some of her 
experiences as she continues her advocacy for civil rights; and
	WHEREAS, During her tenure as leader of the El Paso NAACP, 
Reverend Washington saw many victories in the fight for civil 
rights; a notable victory was a successful lawsuit against a 
canning company that had refused to hire black people; and
	WHEREAS, Working for equal justice for all citizens has 
long been a passion for Johnnie Washington, for she learned early 
from stories from her mother about the evils of racial prejudice; 
before Johnnie was born, her mother witnessed Johnnie's six 
great-uncles being dragged behind cars by angry white mobs and 
lynched in Paris, Texas, in 1919; and
	WHEREAS, Johnnie also experienced discrimination 
firsthand during her childhood when she and her friends went to
a restaurant and were forced to eat in the restaurant's kitchen; 
she vowed then that when she got old enough, she would fight 
discrimination the rest of her life; and
	WHEREAS, A talented administrator who is noted for her hard 
work and tenacity, Johnnie Washington has accomplished much, and


her leadership with the El Paso chapter of the NAACP will be 
greatly missed; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby commend the Reverend Johnnie Washington
for her exceptional work to end racial injustice as president
of the El Paso Chapter of the National Association for the 
Advancement of Colored People and extend to her best wishes for 
success in her future endeavors; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
her as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.
                                                                       Shapleigh




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on February 9, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate