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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Pearson, an educational publishing company with |
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offices in San Antonio, is hosting a weekly discussion series in |
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celebration of Black History Month 2009; and |
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WHEREAS, Addressing the theme "The Quest for Black |
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Citizenship in the Americas," guest speakers include such |
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noteworthy members of the community as John "Mule" Miles, who |
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played in the Negro Baseball League, Dr. Dianna Burns-Banks, |
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pediatrician and co-owner of five clinics in medically underserved |
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areas, and Dr. Carey H. Latimore IV, assistant professor of history |
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at Trinity University; and |
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WHEREAS, A black history event was first established in 1926 |
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as a weeklong observance by author and scholar Dr. Carter G. |
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Woodson, who sought a means by which to heighten awareness of |
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African American culture and engender pride among black Americans; |
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the tribute was expanded to a month in 1976 and was officially |
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recognized by President Gerald Ford, who encouraged all Americans |
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to pay "tribute to Black History Month and the message of courage |
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and perseverance it brings to all of us"; and |
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WHEREAS, Supporting that sentiment year-round, Pearson is in |
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the fifth year of a plan that includes efforts to have "diversity at |
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the heart of everything" it does, and the company pays special |
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attention to such areas as promotion, retention, recruitment, |
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training, internships, senior leadership, and compensation; and |
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WHEREAS, African Americans have been a significant part of |
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the population of Texas and the United States for hundreds of years, |
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and the celebration of Black History Month acknowledges and |
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promotes the immeasurable benefits of living in a truly diverse |
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society; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas |
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Legislature hereby commemorate Black History Month and commend |
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Pearson for its role in honoring the contributions of African |
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Americans; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for the company as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives. |