SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 518
         WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
  join the Harris County Historical Commission and the Rutherford
  B. H. Yates Museum, Incorporated, in celebrating the April 27,
  2013, dedication of an official Texas Historical Marker
  commemorating the life and work of attorney and community leader
  J. Vance Lewis; and
         WHEREAS, J. Vance Lewis was born in Terrebonne Parish,
  Louisiana, around 1869; he attended Leland University in New
  Orleans and earned a teaching certificate from the Normal School
  in Orange, Texas; he taught and served as principal at Cripple
  Creek School in Angelina County, and he earned a law degree from
  the Chicago College of Law in 1897; and
         WHEREAS, He moved to Houston in 1901 and lived in the
  Freedmen's Town community; he established a law firm with Lewis
  W. Greenly and was one of only a handful of African American
  lawyers in Texas; he was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in
  1904; and
         WHEREAS, In addition to practicing law, Mr. Lewis
  supported and promoted economic enterprises in his community; he
  contributed funds toward the creation of an African American bank
  and joined the Colored Commercial Club; he was also active in
  political affairs, running for criminal district judge and
  traveling across the country in support of the Black and Tan
  Republican Party; and
         WHEREAS, Mr. Lewis provided an important early voice for
  equality in Houston and the country, and it is truly fitting that
  he be honored with an official Texas Historical Marker; now,
  therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
  83rd Legislature, hereby extend best wishes to the Harris County
  Historical Commission and the Rutherford B. H. Yates Museum,
  Incorporated, for a memorable dedication ceremony for the
  official Texas Historical Marker commemorating the life and
  legacy of J. Vance Lewis; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
  honor of this special occasion.
  Whitmire
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on March 20, 2013.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate