84R5741 WG-D
	By: Reynolds	H.R. No. 176

	R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Missouri City is kicking off its Black History Month
	festivities with a celebration on February 7, 2015, providing area
	residents an opportunity to recognize the rich cultural heritage of
	African Americans and the contributions they have made and are
	making to the State of Texas and the world at large; and
	WHEREAS, A weeklong observance focusing on black history was
	established in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an author and scholar
	and the son of former slaves, who sought a means of educating
	non-black Americans about African American culture and of
	engendering pride among black Americans; the tribute was expanded
	to a month in 1976 and was officially recognized by President Gerald
	Ford, who encouraged all Americans to celebrate "Black History
	Month and the message of courage and perseverance it brings to all
	of us"; and
	WHEREAS, African Americans have constituted a significant
	part of the population of Texas for hundreds of years; in the 19th
	century, before emancipation, they played an enormous role in
	producing this state's agricultural bounty and also worked as
	skilled artisans; after the Civil War, many moved to urban centers,
	and in the years that followed, they provided manpower for new
	industries that were being established; and
	WHEREAS, African American infantry and cavalry garrisoned
	forts in West Texas during the Indian Wars; known as "Buffalo
	Soldiers," they patrolled the frontier with the assistance of black
	Seminole Indian scouts, built roads, and escorted mail carriers;
	Sergeant Emmanuel Stance, stationed at Fort McKavett, was the first
	African American who fought in the Indian Wars to be awarded the
	Medal of Honor; and
	WHEREAS, Since the early 1800s, African Americans have been
	involved in the cattle industry; one of the most famous black Texan
	cowboys was William Pickett, who became a Wild West rodeo performer
	and who is believed to have originated the bulldogging event; and
	WHEREAS, In the mid-20th century, African Americans in Texas
	substantially furthered the civil rights movement by filing and
	winning lawsuits that outlawed the white primary and that helped to
	integrate graduate and professional schools; today, influential
	African American leaders continue to follow in the footsteps of
	their predecessors, taking their rightful place in the public arena
	and promoting social justice; and
	WHEREAS, The contributions of African Americans in the nation
	at large not only have impacted every facet of life in this country
	but also have had an influence around the globe; among their most
	notable but perhaps least-known achievements have been advances in
	science and technology; the long list of those who have
	distinguished themselves in these fields includes Alexander Miles,
	who developed the automated elevator door, Garrett Morgan, who
	invented the gas mask and the traffic signal, Frederick Jones, who
	developed refrigerated trucks and railroad cars, Dr. Charles Drew,
	who developed a technique for preserving plasma and who established
	blood banks across Europe and the Pacific during World War II,
	saving the lives of countless American soldiers and sailors, and
	Dr. Patricia E. Bath, who developed a method of eye surgery to
	remove cataracts; and
	WHEREAS, Black History Month highlights the myriad ways in
	which African Americans have helped shape this nation over the
	course of four centuries, and this celebration acknowledges and
	promotes the immeasurable benefits of living in a truly diverse
	society; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
	Legislature hereby recognize the City of Missouri City for its
	Black History Month celebration and encourage all citizens to learn
	more about the history of the African diaspora and about the
	accomplishments of African Americans.