87S10387 JGH-D
 
  By: Gervin-Hawkins H.R. No. 1
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, Sammie Ward of Sam's Barber Shop in San Antonio has
  distinguished himself as a leader in his community through his
  efforts as a businessman, an advocate, and a local historian; and
         WHEREAS, A native of Gonzales, Sam Ward began cutting hair at
  Randolph Air Force Base, and at the age of 75, he is one of the
  oldest Black barbers still working in San Antonio; for several
  decades, he has been serving his customers at Sam's Barber Shop at
  East Commerce Street, on the East Side of San Antonio; over the
  years, he has cut the hair of multiple generations of the same
  families, and his shop has established itself as a place where area
  residents can gather to share stories, build relationships, and
  discuss issues of importance to the community; and
         WHEREAS, Mr. Ward has long been a stalwart supporter of his
  neighborhood, serving as its unofficial historian, as a mentor and
  counselor to younger people, and as an advocate for new businesses;
  his wisdom and generosity have earned him many loyal customers, and
  during the COVID-19 pandemic, he volunteered his shop as a site for
  delivering vaccinations to the public as part of the "Shots at the
  Shop" initiative; and
         WHEREAS, Those Texas businesspeople who build a record of
  dependability and longevity enjoy a special degree of esteem in
  their communities, and for many years, Sam Ward has been a beloved
  and respected champion for the East Side of San Antonio; now,
  therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
  Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commend Sammie Ward for his
  long service to his community and extend to him sincere best wishes
  for continued success and happiness; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for Mr. Ward as an expression of high regard by the Texas
  House of Representatives.