86R27974 JGH-D
 
  By: Cole H.R. No. 1480
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, March 2020 marks the 10th anniversary of the
  unveiling of the African American Legislators Monument in the Texas
  State Cemetery, providing a fitting opportunity to reflect on this
  remarkable monument's impact and the history it represents; and
         WHEREAS, In March 2010, a monument in honor of the African
  Americans who served in the Texas Legislature between 1868 and 1900
  and in the Constitutional Conventions of 1868-1869 and 1875 was
  unveiled on the grounds of the Texas State Cemetery; and
         WHEREAS, After the emancipation of slaves in June 1865, Black
  Codes were passed by several cities in Texas to restrict the rights
  of newly freed African Americans; it took the intervention of
  Congress and the U.S. military in 1867 to allow their transition to
  freedom to begin in earnest; and
         WHEREAS, By the end of the 19th century, 52 African Americans
  in Texas had served in 14 legislatures and 2 constitutional
  conventions; before discriminatory laws and practices around the
  turn of the 20th century succeeded in excluding blacks once again
  from political life, these men engaged in the most pressing issues
  of the day and worked for the betterment of their communities and
  the benefit of all Texans; and
         WHEREAS, Among the critical needs these black legislators
  addressed were the safeguarding of voting rights for African
  Americans, the elimination of widespread violence against blacks,
  the opportunity for educational advancement, the protection of
  skilled and agricultural workers, the reform of the prison system,
  and the defense of the frontier; black legislators also fought to
  end segregation in railroad passenger cars and to eliminate the
  poll tax; their lasting achievements included the creation of Texas
  Agricultural and Mechanical College and Prairie View Normal
  Institute; and
         WHEREAS, Representing a wide variety of backgrounds,
  experiences, and occupations, these dedicated public servants
  advocated tirelessly in behalf of civil rights for all Texans, and
  the African American Legislators Monument at the Texas State
  Cemetery pays fitting tribute to their memory; now, therefore, be
  it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
  Legislature hereby commemorate the 10th anniversary of the
  unveiling of the African American Legislators Monument in the Texas
  State Cemetery and extend sincere appreciation to all those who
  played a part in bringing the project to fruition.