TITLE: In memory of Heath Donell Creech of Austin.

SUMMARY: In memory of Heath Donell Creech of Austin.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Residents of Austin lost a beloved community leader with the passing of Heath Donell Creech on February 24, 2025, at the age of 57; and WHEREAS, A digital media and marketing pioneer, Heath Creech launched such successful businesses as Soulciti, a trailblazing online news and cultural source for people of color; his efforts as an entrepreneur were always community-focused, and he worked tirelessly to improve workplace diversity and promote leadership development among minorities in the technology field; over the years, he collaborated with businesses, nonprofits, and public figures to ensure representation across Austin's tech ecosystem, spark meaningful conversations, and drive positive change; he made a national impact at the South by Southwest conference, resulting in diversification of programming and attendance; the #BlackAtSXSW hashtag he coined has helped African Americans connect and expand their presence at the prestigious event; and WHEREAS, Mr. Creech was instrumental in founding a number of influential organizations, among them GriotMedia, the African American Leadership Institute, the Austin Area Heritage Council, and MVMT50, a coalition of Black thought leaders in the innovation, technology, and digital sectors; moreover, he played a key role in shaping such cultural events as the Urban Music Fest, Jazz Fest, and the MLK Day Parade; most recently, he was involved with supporting the Black Men's Health Clinic Outreach Team in raising the profile of the clinic, which provides education and access to medical care for an underserved population; he was a mentor to many, and he enjoyed the love and affection of myriad friends and a close and devoted family, including his mother, his son, and his siblings; and WHEREAS, Although the death of Heath Creech has brought profound sorrow to those who shared in the richness of his life, he empowered innumerable people to carry on his vision of building a better world, and his extraordinary contributions will continue to resonate in the years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Heath Donell Creech and extend sincere sympathy to all who mourn his passing; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Heath Creech. Cole Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 489 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 31, 2025. Chief Clerk of the House