SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 588

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize John W. Bland, who is being honored at the 40th anniversary convention of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, which is being held April 6, 2013, in Houston; and

WHEREAS, John Bland is a lifetime member and the Texas vice president of the A. Philip Randolph Institute; a native Texan and graduate of Phillis Wheatley High School in Houston's Fifth Ward, he was attending Texas Southern University when he began his involvement in the civil rights and labor movements; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Bland was a founding member of the Progressive Youth Association, which played an important role in the integration of lunch counters, movie theaters, and other community establishments; he also worked to facilitate the hiring of African Americans for positions at major retail outlets, including Foley's, Walgreens, and J. C. Penney; and

WHEREAS, His work as a leader in the labor movement began when he served as steward for Local 260 of the Transport Workers Union of America; he went on to organize transportation workers across Texas and today, he serves as the union's vice president and deputy director of transit divisions; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Bland also serves as president of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and as vice president of the Texas American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations; he has been active in politics as a precinct judge, as Senate District 13 chair, and as a representative on the Houston Police Department's Citizens Review Committee; and

WHEREAS, John Bland has made a profound difference in the lives of countless people through his devotion to equal rights and representation, inclusion, and justice, and he is truly deserving of this prestigious honor; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby commend John W. Bland on his outstanding efforts to improve conditions for the working men and women of Texas and extend congratulations to him on being named the honoree at the 40th anniversary convention of the A. Philip Randolph Institute; and, be it further

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

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 3, 2013.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate