SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 157
         WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
  recognize Emma Rodgers, honorary cochair of the 2007 African
  American Read-In, for her many contributions to the cultural and
  educational landscape of the African American community in
  Dallas; and
         WHEREAS, Emma cofounded Black Images Book Bazaar nearly 30
  years ago with Ashira Tosihwe, and the store quickly became the
  favored place to find the works of black authors who were unknown
  to mainstream booksellers; the store also became noted for its
  personalized service and was a popular meeting place for loyal
  patrons and for local organizations and book clubs; and
         WHEREAS, Black Images Book Bazaar hosted such national
  celebrity authors on book tours as Patti LaBelle, Rosa Parks,
  Maya Angelou, and Susan Taylor; it also encouraged and promoted
  local writers, some of whom became national best-selling
  authors, such as Francis Ray and Victor McGlothin; and
         WHEREAS, As co-owner of the Black Images Book Bazaar, Emma
  has served as a longtime sponsor and supporter of the annual
  African American Read-In, and it is appropriate that she be an
  honorary cochair of this year's event; the 2007 African American
  Read-In, with its theme of "Light Up Your Life with Reading,
  Books, and Friends," will feature area actors and performers and
  celebrated children's author Christopher Paul Curtis; now,
  therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
  80th Legislature, hereby commend Emma Rodgers for her valuable
  role in the cultural growth of the African American community in
  Dallas and proclaim her a Lifetime Literacy Champion for the
  State of Texas; 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.
 
  West
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on February 5, 2007.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate