TITLE: In memory of Tanya Debose of Houston.

SUMMARY: In memory of Tanya Debose of Houston.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life has drawn to a close with the death of Tanya Debose of Houston on January 30, 2025, at the age of 58; and WHEREAS, An advocate for preserving African American history and culture, Tanya Debose was born on April 4, 1966, and she was best known for her work in the Independence Heights neighborhood of Houston; she had deep roots in the community, as her great-grandfather was one of the early pioneers to purchase land in what became the first African American municipality in Texas; and WHEREAS, Ms. Debose founded Preserving Communities of Color, which focuses on protecting historic communities of color by transforming them into inclusive cultural destinations; the initiative consists of an annual conference bringing together community advocates, civic leaders, scholars, and elected officials, and it provides support to historic communities of color, connecting them with tools and resources; and WHEREAS, Ms. Debose participated in several national initiatives, including the Historic Black Towns and Settlements Alliance, where she spearheaded media campaigns aimed at raising awareness of historic Black towns; in more recent years, Ms. Debose coordinated a summit with the goal of building a national heritage corridor across multiple states to connect leaders and promote awareness of all-Black towns created after the Civil War; she made efforts to create a statewide consortium of heritage councils with the goal of fostering the preservation of African American history and culture in the Lone Star State; and WHEREAS, An engaged activist and an effective community leader, Tanya Debose earned the lasting respect of all who were privileged to know her, and she will forever be remembered with great admiration and affection; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Tanya Debose and extend heartfelt sympathy to her family and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for her family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Tanya Debose. Ward Johnson Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 476 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 31, 2025. Chief Clerk of the House