TITLE: Congratulating the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society on its 40th anniversary.

SUMMARY: Congratulating the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society on its 40th anniversary.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society celebrated its 40th anniversary on April 22, 2017; and WHEREAS, The organization was established in 1977 by journalist and political activist Lenora Butler Rolla to expand knowledge and appreciation of Tarrant County's African American heritage; Mrs. Rolla had discovered that most materials related to local African American history were held in private collections, and she united a group of 21 charter members to create a public archive; and WHEREAS, Through the years, the society worked to locate, collect, analyze, organize, and preserve artifacts reflecting the African American experience and accomplishments in education, science, business, politics, sports, and the arts; many families donated records and personal items, from vintage clothes to photographs, that reveal what life was like for African Americans in the community's past; and WHEREAS, The society's collection was housed at the Fort Worth Public Library's Genealogy, History, and Archives Unit for a time; the public can now view permanent displays and special exhibitions at the Lenora Rolla Heritage Center Museum, located in a restored home, the Boone House, in the Terrell Heights Historic District; and WHEREAS, The Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society has significantly heightened awareness of the important role played by African Americans in the community, and through its dedicated stewardship of a rich legacy, the organization has helped develop a broader perspective on the heritage of Tarrant County; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society and extend to all those associated with the organization sincere best wishes for continued success in their endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the society as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Collier Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 301 was adopted by the House on August 15, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House