TITLE: Recognizing Myrtis Dightman on the occasion of the unveiling of his portrait bust.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Myrtis Dightman on the occasion of the unveiling of his portrait bust.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pride in recognizing Myrtis Dightman on the occasion of the unveiling of his portrait bust on May 13, 2011; and WHEREAS, Legendary bull rider Myrtis Dightman, who competed in rodeos in the 1960s and 1970s, was born in Crockett, Texas, in 1935; he began his rodeo career at the age of 25 after a brief career as a bullfighter; and WHEREAS, A fearless bull rider and one of the most successful cowboys of his time, Mr. Dightman was the first African American cowboy to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo; he went on to qualify for the competition seven times, and he is the first living African American cowboy to be inducted into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, He was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2001, the National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame in 2003, and the Professional Bull Riders Ring of Honor in 2003; he appeared as himself in two major motion pictures, J. W. Coop and Junior Bonner;and WHEREAS, Over the years, Myrtis Dightman endured hard times, many challenges, and rough rides, and he is noted for coming through it all with exemplary courage; his motto "you should never give up on what you really want to do" is a reflection of his life and career and serves as an inspiration to all; and WHEREAS, His portrait bust was sculpted by well-known artist Paula Devereaux of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and is a work of art that successfully captures the indomitable spirit and soul of Myrtis Dightman; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby commend Myrtis Dightman on his outstanding accomplishments and congratulate him on the occasion of the unveiling of the Myrtis Dightman portrait bust; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Ogden President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 26, 2011.