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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, For nearly four decades, the Texas Coalition of |
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Black Democrats has brought together individuals who share an |
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interest in advancing progressive values and addressing the |
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concerns of African Americans in the Lone Star State; and |
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WHEREAS, The vision for the coalition originated in January |
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1979, when a small group of residents from Arlington, Dallas, Fort |
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Worth, and Grand Prairie gathered to discuss the possibility of |
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establishing a network among African Americans in the Metroplex; in |
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subsequent meetings that year, the group decided to call together |
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grassroots leaders from across Texas, and the coalition's first |
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state conference was held in Austin from February 22 to 24, 1980; |
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the event drew more than 350 registered delegates and included |
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workshops conducted by representatives from the Democratic |
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National Committee and several federal departments; and |
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WHEREAS, Today, the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats |
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continues to play a prominent role in the African American |
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community, stimulating interest in civic affairs and facilitating |
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participation in the Democratic Party while also focusing on such |
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issues as economic development and government response to public |
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need; and |
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WHEREAS, In carrying out its mission, the coalition benefits |
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from the dedicated leadership of its current officers, chair Gene |
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Collins, vice chair for programs Shuronda Robinson, vice chair for |
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membership Almeda Dent, vice chair for finance Ernest McGowen Jr., |
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recording secretary Courtney Bass, treasurer Winifred Jackson, |
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budget and finance committee chair Darwin McKee, and |
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parliamentarian Donald Williams; and |
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WHEREAS, Through their efforts to ensure that the voices of |
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African Americans are heard at all levels of government, the |
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members of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats exemplify the |
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ideals of American democracy, and their commitment to political |
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engagement serves as an inspiring example for their fellow |
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citizens; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats |
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and extend to its members sincere best wishes for the future; and, |
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be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives. |