SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 918

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Rosalio "Rabbit" Duran for his many contributions to the political and cultural legacy of East Austin; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Duran, known as Rabbit for his exceptional speed as a young man, has for 42 years owned and operated Rabbit's Lounge in East Austin; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Duran opened Rabbit's Lounge in 1969 as Chicano political activities were cresting in Austin; the civil rights movement, anti-war activity, and local protest marches created an energy that found expression at Rabbit's; and

WHEREAS, Rabbit's Lounge, with its iconic mural of Cesar Chavez on an exterior wall, became a gathering place for political activists to meet and strategize; among the civic leaders whose campaigns used Rabbit's Lounge as a center of operations were John Trevino, Austin's first Hispanic city council member, Richard Moya, the first Mexican American Travis County Commissioner, and State Senator Gonzalo Barrientos; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Duran has played an outsized role in the history of Chicano politics in East Austin, and it is truly fitting that he be recognized for his many contributions to the community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby commend Rosalio Duran for his outstanding efforts on behalf of the citizens of East Austin and extend to him best wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.

Watson

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 4, 2011.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate