SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 585

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
recognize Missionary Baptist General Convention of Texas on the 
occasion of its First Men and Boys Conference, which is being 
held in Austin April 15 through 19, 2005; and
	WHEREAS, The conference theme is "Becoming Christ-Like Men 
in Times Like These"; the conference will address the many 
difficulties minority youths must overcome to become productive 
men in society; and
	WHEREAS, Using biblical principles, members of the 
Missionary Baptist General Convention of Texas have developed a 
program to help lead young men to victory over the challenges 
they face and to cultivate meaningful mentoring relationships 
between men and boys; and
	WHEREAS, Statistics are not favorable for minority youths 
in the areas of employment, educational achievement, and 
physical and mental health issues; these concerns and a growing 
rate of incarceration of African-Americans and other minorities 
must be faced and dealt with, and the conference is a significant 
step in that direction; and
	WHEREAS, The First Men and Boys Conference is supported by 
many churches, pastors, and community leaders, and it assuredly 
will have a positive impact on the lives of minority youths and 
ultimately all citizens throughout the state; now, therefore,
be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby commend members of the Missionary 
Baptist General Convention of Texas for their worthy goals and 
extend to them best wishes for success in the First Men and Boys 
Conference; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as an 
expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
                                                                           Ellis




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on April 11, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate