TITLE: Commemorating the one-year anniversary of the unveiling of the African American Legislators Monument at the Texas State Cemetery.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the one-year anniversary of the unveiling of the African American Legislators Monument at the Texas State Cemetery.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A monument in honor of the African Americans who served in the Texas Legislature between 1868 and 1900 and in the Constitutional Conventions of 1868-1869 and 1875 was unveiled on the grounds of the Texas State Cemetery in March 2010, and it has since served to educate and inspire countless people; and WHEREAS, Following emancipation in June 1865, Black Codes were passed by several cities in Texas to restrict the rights of African Americans; it was not until 1867, with the intervention of Congress and the U.S. military, that African Americans began the transition to freedom in earnest; and WHEREAS, By the end of the 1800s, 52 African Americans had served in 2 constitutional conventions and 14 legislatures; before discriminatory laws and practices succeeded, around the turn of the 20th century, in excluding blacks once again from political life in Texas, these men engaged in the most pressing issues of the day and worked for the betterment of their communities and the benefit of all Texans; and WHEREAS, Among the critical needs these legislators sought to address were the safeguarding of African American voting rights and the defense of blacks against widespread violence, the provision of educational opportunity, the protection of both skilled and agricultural workers, the reform of the prison system, and the defense of the frontier; black legislators also fought to end segregation in railroad passenger cars and to eliminate the poll tax; their lasting achievements included the creation of Texas Agricultural and Mechanical College and Prairie View Normal Institute; and WHEREAS, Representing a wide variety of backgrounds, experience, and occupations, these dedicated public servants advocated tirelessly in behalf of civil rights for all Texans, and the African American Legislators Monument at the Texas State Cemetery pays fitting tribute to their memory; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the one-year anniversary of the unveiling of the African American Legislators Monument at the Texas State Cemetery and extend sincere appreciation to all those involved in bringing the project to fruition. Turner Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2579 was adopted by the House on May 30, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House