TITLE: Recognizing Larry Thomas for his work as project director for a monument honoring 19th century African American legislators.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Larry Thomas for his work as project director for a monument honoring 19th century African American legislators.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Larry Thomas for his efforts in bringing to fruition the creation and installation at the Texas State Cemetery of a monument that commemorates this state's 19th-century African American legislators; and WHEREAS, Between the end of the Civil War and the beginning of the 20th century, 52 African American Texans served in the legislature and in two constitutional conventions; these men addressed such critical issues as voting rights, education, and prison reform before the enactment of the Jim Crow laws that saw their rights once again curtailed; and WHEREAS, While in office, these legislators tirelessly advocated for the rights of all Texans, and they played a vital role in the creation of Texas Agricultural and Mechanical College and Prairie View Normal Institute; and WHEREAS, Larry Thomas began research in 1998 that led to the creation of the monument, and his determination and hard work as project director played a critical part in its completion; the cenotaph unveiled March 30, 2010, stands as a fitting memorial to these dedicated statesmen, and Mr. Thomas is truly deserving of recognition for his commitment to helping disseminate this important aspect of our state's history; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commend Larry Thomas on his dedication to raising awareness of the seminal contributions to our state made by its 19th-century African American legislators and extend to him best wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Watson President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on June 28, 2011.