TITLE: Recognizing Willie B. Baker of Houston on the occasion of his 69th birthday.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Willie B. Baker of Houston on the occasion of his 69th birthday.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to pay tribute to Willie B. Baker of the Acres Homes community in Houston on the special occasion of his 69th birthday; and WHEREAS, Willie Baker was born in Crockett, Texas, on March 28, 1942; when he was 14 years old, he moved to the Acres Homes community, where he began a legacy of hard work, determination, and commitment to service; and WHEREAS, While attending Texas Southern University Mr. Baker met a guest speaker, the renowned boxer Muhammad Ali; and WHEREAS, The boxing champion was impressed by the young man and invited Willie to tour with his group, and over the next 15 years Willie Baker met such influential people as Jesse Jackson and the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.; and WHEREAS, Mr. Baker remained engaged with his community in Houston; he began his involvement with issues such as voting rights, housing, and the safety of senior citizens; because of his activities, he was donned the "Mayor of Acres Homes" by the elders in the community; and WHEREAS, Willie Baker is noted for being the first African American citizen to speak before the Houston City Council; he has long been active in numerous organizations, including working as an outreach coordinator for the Acres Homes Chamber of Commerce; and WHEREAS, His beloved Acres Homes community is still of utmost interest to him, and he encourages the younger generation to follow in his footsteps and continue to be a champion for the community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby recognize Willie B. Baker as a treasured citizen of the State of Texas and extend to him best wishes on his 69th birthday; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as a token of esteem of the Texas Senate. Whitmire President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 4, 2011.