TITLE: Commemorating the 10th anniversary of the unveiling of the African American Legislators Monument in the Texas State Cemetery in March 2020.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 10th anniversary of the unveiling of the African American Legislators Monument in the Texas State Cemetery in March 2020.

FULL TEXT:
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. Cole Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1480 was adopted by the House on May 10, 2019, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House