TITLE: Commemorating the dedication of Ernest McGowen, Sr., Elementary School in the Houston Independent School District.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the dedication of Ernest McGowen, Sr., Elementary School in the Houston Independent School District.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, On May 24, 2013, the Houston Independent School District is celebrating the renaming of Houston Gardens Elementary School in honor of the late Ernest McGowen, Sr., an admired civic leader, public servant, and clergyman; and WHEREAS, The first African American elected as a trustee of HISD and of Houston Community College, Reverend McGowen built on the gains of the civil rights movement and worked diligently to advance the cause of social justice; he was instrumental in the adoption of a school holiday observance for the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and in the hiring and promotion of African American administrators and the inclusion of minority vendors, contractors, and professionals in contract bidding; in addition, he advocated powerfully for better wages and working conditions for maintenance and food service employees and guided the establishment of the area's first vocational-technical high school; and WHEREAS, In 1979, this dynamic Texan became the second African American elected to the Houston City Council, and over the course of a tenure that spanned 14 years, he helped to modernize the police department, secure pay parity for police officers and firefighters, and increase wages for sanitation workers and other municipal personnel; moreover, he played a key role in passage of the ordinance creating the city's minority-and women-owned business program and in the adoption of a paid holiday for Dr. King's birthday; and WHEREAS, Further demonstrating his commitment to the community, Reverend McGowen served for 12 years on the Houston Galveston Area Council, and he was its first elected African American president; in later years, he continued to benefit his fellow citizens through his service on the mayor's Ministerial Council, Transition Team, and Affirmative Action Committee; he was the first African American pastor in the Texas Methodist Conference appointed to lead a predominantly white church, Wesley United Methodist Church; and WHEREAS, Reverend McGowen passed away on August 26, 2012, at the age of 87, having helped break down racial barriers and build bridges to success for subsequent generations; his tremendous accomplishments continue to resonate in the city of Houston, and the renaming of this school is indeed a fitting tribute; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the dedication of Ernest McGowen, Sr., Elementary School and honor the life and work of Reverend McGowen. Thompson of Harris Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2155 was adopted by the House on May 22, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House