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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The descendants of Josiah McIntosh, Sr., are |
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gathering in Jefferson from August 30 through September 1, 2013, |
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for their much-anticipated annual family reunion, an event they |
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have held now for 100 consecutive years; and |
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WHEREAS, Josiah "Joe" McIntosh, Jr., was inspired by his |
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102-year-old father, Josiah McIntosh, Sr., to organize the family's |
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first gathering; the elder McIntosh, a former slave, had seen the |
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terrible effects of slavery on families, splitting them apart and |
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denying them the opportunity to be together, and he always |
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emphasized the importance of knowing and supporting one's kin; and |
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WHEREAS, In June 1913, Joe McIntosh, Jr., and his wife, |
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Mattie Ruffin, hosted their siblings and their families as well as |
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14 of the couple's children and their families in their Jefferson |
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home, and this tradition of feast and fellowship has continued in |
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the 10 decades that have followed; and |
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WHEREAS, The McIntosh-Ruffin reunion offers those in |
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attendance an opportunity to reflect on their rich legacy and to |
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strengthen the bonds that have united their extended families for |
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generations; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas |
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Legislature hereby commemorate the 2013 McIntosh-Ruffin Family |
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Reunion and extend to its organizers and participants sincere best |
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wishes for an enjoyable and memorable event; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for the McIntosh-Ruffin family as an expression of high |
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regard by the Texas House of Representatives. |