TITLE: Commemorating the 90th anniversary of Phillis Wheatley High School in Houston.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 90th anniversary of Phillis Wheatley High School in Houston.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Phillis Wheatley High School in Houston is marking its 90th anniversary in 2017; and WHEREAS, Established in 1927 on Lyons Avenue in the historic Fifth Ward, Wheatley High became one of the nation's largest African American high schools during segregation, with an enrollment of 2,600 and a faculty of 60; the growth of the student population eventually caused the building to become so overcrowded that youngsters had to attend classes in shifts; and WHEREAS, A new facility was completed in 1949 on Market Street, and the $2.5 million spent on its construction was the most the district had allocated to a campus up to that time; described by the Houston Chronicle as one of the finest black schools in the South, it was designed by the architectural firm of MacKie and Kamrath in a style reflecting the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright and featured such amenities as a 1,500-seat auditorium, an industrial arts facility, and a gymnasium and swimming pool; and WHEREAS, In 2006, the mid-century building was replaced by a splendid new structure designed by a Wheatley graduate, noted architect Willie Cleveland Jordan Jr. of the Class of 1956; the school's many other distinguished alumni include two members of the U.S. Congress, Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland, as well as members of the state legislature, professional athletes, local civic leaders, an Ivy League university president, and musicians Arnett Cobb, Illinois Jacquet, Lester Williams, and Joe Sample; and WHEREAS, The school has benefited from the efforts of many dedicated principals over the years, and that tradition is carried on today by Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam; maintaining awareness of the rich traditions of their alma mater, proud graduates are very active in the Phillis Wheatley Metropolitan Alumni and Ex-Students Association; and WHEREAS, Over the course of nine decades, Phillis Wheatley High has provided generations of young Texans with a strong foundation on which to build, and in so doing, it has contributed significantly to the vibrancy and prosperity of the Fifth Ward and the greater Houston area; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commemorate the 90th anniversary of Phillis Wheatley High School and extend to its students, faculty, staff, and alumni sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the school as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Dutton Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 472 was adopted by the House on August 15, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House