SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 263

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Rest Lawn Cemetery in Houston, which has received the Historic Texas Cemetery designation; and

WHEREAS, Rest Lawn is one of the oldest cemeteries in the historically African American community of Acres Homes, an area that by the 1950s was considered to be the largest unincorporated Negro community in the southern United States; located about 12 miles northwest of downtown Houston, the area was developed by businessman Alfred A. Wright starting in 1910 and was finally annexed to the City of Houston in the period of years from 1967 to 1974; and

WHEREAS, Many of the city's African American community leaders of the post-emancipation era are buried in the cemetery, including veterans of World War I, World War II, and the Korean War along with Texas native Weldon "Juke Boy" Bonner, an African American blues singer and musician; and

WHEREAS, Rest Lawn Cemetery has been lovingly cared for over the years by such volunteer groups as Second Chance Outreach, Incorporated, and the Iota Iota Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; and

WHEREAS, Rest Lawn Cemetery is a key historical site in Houston; its designation as a Historic Texas Cemetery signifies for future generations the importance of the cemetery in the historical memory of this state; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby recognize the historical significance of Rest Lawn Cemetery and extend to all associated with the cemetery congratulations on its designation as a Historic Texas Cemetery; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of Rest Lawn Cemetery.

Whitmire

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 25, 2019.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate