SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 983

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join the Houston Independent School District and the citizens of Houston in celebrating the renaming and dedication of Ernest McGowen Sr. Elementary School, which is taking place May 24, 2013; and

WHEREAS, This outstanding school originally opened its doors in 1935 as Houston Gardens Elementary School; it is being renamed in honor of the late Ernest McGowen, Sr., former trustee of the Houston Independent School District and the city's first African American district council member; and

WHEREAS, Mr. McGowen was an eloquent voice for civil rights at City Hall and a forceful advocate for the appointment of more minorities to high-ranking positions in the Houston Police Department; and

WHEREAS, He was instrumental in the passage of the ordinance that established the city's minority-owned and women-owned business enterprise program, and he sponsored the ordinance that prohibited city government from dealing with companies that did business with the apartheid regime in South Africa; and

WHEREAS, Today, Ernest McGowen Sr. Elementary School serves nearly 420 students in an academically challenging environment that helps its students achieve their highest potential; it is truly fitting that it be named in honor of this visionary Houston leader; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby extend best wishes to the students, faculty, and staff of Ernest McGowen Sr. Elementary School for a memorable renaming and dedication ceremony; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the school in honor of this special occasion.

Ellis

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 15, 2013.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate