SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 505

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the Reverend Anthony Mays, who is being honored by the Round Rock Independent School District School Board of Trustees for his pioneering role in the desegregation of Round Rock schools; and

WHEREAS, The passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 officially ended segregation in the state, and that same year, 15-year-old Anthony Mays became the first African American to enroll at Round Rock High School; and

WHEREAS, Racial tensions remained high during the mid-1960s, and although Reverend Mays recalls some early struggles, he quickly made friends through his participation in athletics, and he embarked on a fulfilling educational journey; and

WHEREAS, He embraced new opportunities at the high school and graduated in the top 10 percent of his class; after graduation, he went on to earn an English degree at The University of Texas; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Mays serves as a senior pastor at Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in East Austin, where he continues to advocate for racial equality; he is being honored by the board of the Round Rock Independent School District to mark the 50th anniversary of desegregation and his enrollment at the district's high school; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby commend the Reverend Anthony Mays on his life of leadership and service and extend to him best wishes for the future; and, be it further

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

Watson

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 7, 2015.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate