SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 63

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize New Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church on the occasion of its eighth annual Raymond B. Spencer Scholarship Banquet, which is taking place February 23, 2013; and

WHEREAS, The Raymond B. Spencer Minority Scholarship Fund was established in honor of the late Dr. Raymond B. Spencer; the fund was created to help ensure that deserving students are able to achieve the benefits and advantages of a college education; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Spencer was a gifted educator, preacher, and singer who had a profound impact on the lives of countless people; a graduate of Oklahoma Christian College, he earned master's and doctoral degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he went on to become the first African American to serve as a full-time professor; and

WHEREAS, The scholarship fund is a reflection of Dr. Spencer's magnanimous spirit and his commitment to helping people believe in themselves; and

WHEREAS, This year's scholarship banquet will feature as keynote speakers Linda and Cheryl Brown, the sisters who were the subjects of the historic 1954 United States Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education; this exceptional event is truly deserving of recognition; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby commend the clergy and members of New Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church on their commitment to furthering Dr. Spencer's advocacy for excellence and extend to them best wishes for a successful eighth annual Raymond B. Spencer Scholarship Banquet; and, be it further

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

Davis

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 28, 2013.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate