85R9926 KSM-D
 
  By: Gervin-Hawkins H.R. No. 320
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, Proud members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Zeta
  Phi Beta Sorority are gathering in Austin on February 7, 2017, to
  celebrate Blue and White Day at the State Capitol; and
         WHEREAS, In 1914, Phi Beta Sigma was established at Howard
  University, and six years later, Zeta Phi Beta was formed with the
  fraternity's assistance; the two organizations are
  constitutionally bound and enjoy a mutually supportive
  relationship; and
         WHEREAS, Phi Beta Sigma now has more than 290,000 lifetime
  members in the United States and beyond; over the years, the group
  has expanded its service mission by creating the Phi Beta Sigma
  National Foundation, the Phi Beta Sigma Federal Credit Union, and
  the Sigma Beta Club Foundation; members also sponsor international
  programs focusing on education, business development, and social
  action, and in response to former president Barack Obama's My
  Brother's Keeper initiative, they adopted a 10-point action plan to
  address issues impacting men of color; and
         WHEREAS, Zeta Phi Beta is dedicated to improving the human
  condition both at home and abroad; it was the first National
  Pan-Hellenic Council organization to charter a chapter in Africa,
  and it now has a membership of over 125,000 in hundreds of chapters
  around the world; since its inception, its members have worked to
  transform their communities through volunteerism, and they have
  advocated powerfully for social and civic progress; through its
  National Educational Foundation, the group awards scholarships,
  conducts community education and training programs, and supports
  scientific research; and
         WHEREAS, A joint effort of Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta,
  Blue and White Day provides an opportunity for the organizations' 
  members to reaffirm their steadfast commitment to community service
  and civic engagement, and it is indeed a pleasure to recognize their
  contributions at this time; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
  Legislature hereby commemorate Blue and White Day at the State
  Capitol and extend to the delegations from Phi Beta Sigma
  Fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority sincere best wishes for an
  enjoyable and meaningful event; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for the organizations as an expression of high regard by
  the Texas House of Representatives.