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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The Honorable Bert Williams, attorney and former |
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mayor of El Paso, is an outstanding community leader who was in the |
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forefront of efforts to address civil rights injustices and serious |
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environmental concerns in that city; and |
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WHEREAS, Unable to buy dinner for an African American teenage |
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boy who was refused service at a local restaurant in 1962, Mr. |
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Williams began working to eliminate such discrimination in his role |
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as a city alderman; within months, he was instrumental in |
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passing--over a mayor's veto--a city ordinance on civil rights that |
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banned discrimination in motels, hotels, theaters, and |
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restaurants; his youthful friend that fateful evening was none |
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other than Nolan Richardson, who went on to become a renowned |
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college basketball coach; and |
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WHEREAS, Serving as mayor from 1971 to 1973, he continued his |
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efforts to benefit El Paso and was one of the city's first elected |
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leaders to challenge ASARCO after high levels of lead were |
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discovered in children near the copper smelting facility; and |
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WHEREAS, Bert Williams has made a positive and lasting |
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difference in the lives of his fellow citizens, and through his |
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principled actions, he has set a notable example of civic |
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engagement for all Texans; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas |
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Legislature hereby honor former El Paso mayor Bert Williams for his |
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admirable achievements as a community leader and civil rights |
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activist and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, |
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be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Mr. Williams as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives. |