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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1034
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WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to |
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recognize Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, on the |
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occasion of its 100th anniversary and the Theta Alpha Chapter in |
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Dallas, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary; and |
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WHEREAS, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity was founded on November |
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17, 1911, at Howard University in Washington, D.C., the first |
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black national fraternal organization to be established at a |
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historically black college; and |
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WHEREAS, From its beginning, the fraternity has worked to |
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build a strong and effective group of men dedicated to the |
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principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift; |
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the fraternity made National Negro Achievement Week an annual |
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observance in 1927, and the event evolved into the celebration of |
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Black History Month; and |
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WHEREAS, Today, the international fraternity has more than |
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700 chapters around the world; many of its members are recognized |
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leaders in their fields, which span the arts, science, academics, |
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athletics, business, civil rights, education, and government; and |
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WHEREAS, The Theta Alpha Chapter in Dallas was formed on |
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October 1, 1935, by a group of exemplary intellectual leaders |
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with a clear vision for the future and high ideals of morality, |
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honor, and scholarship; Theta Alpha Chapter today has more than |
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150 brothers on its roster and includes learned men from all |
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walks of life; and |
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WHEREAS, Throughout its history, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity |
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has been well represented in many fields of endeavor by such notable |
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members as William "Count" Basie and William H. "Bill" Cosby in |
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the arts, athletes Michael Jordan and Hank Aaron, business |
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leaders Albert C. Black, Jr., and Earl Graves, civil rights |
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leaders Roy Wilkins and the Reverend Jesse Jackson, political |
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leaders Vernon Jordan and Texas State Senator Royce West, |
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accomplished scientists, astronauts, and academics, and the |
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presidents of numerous renowned institutions of higher |
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education; and |
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WHEREAS, The brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the |
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Theta Alpha Chapter in Dallas continue to be at the forefront of |
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community service and social action, and they deserve |
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recognition on the special occasion of their organizations' |
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anniversaries; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd |
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Legislature, hereby commend the members of Omega Psi Phi |
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Fraternity, Incorporated, and the Theta Alpha Chapter in Dallas |
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on their many contributions to their communities and extend to |
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all congratulations as they celebrate the fraternity's 100th |
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anniversary and the chapter's 75th anniversary; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in |
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recognition of these significant occasions. |
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West |
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________________________________ |
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President of the Senate |
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I hereby certify that the |
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above Resolution was adopted by |
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the Senate on May 18, 2011. |
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________________________________ |
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Secretary of the Senate |
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________________________________ |
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Member, Texas Senate |