Texas House Bill HCR81

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Introduced: 3/2/09
• Refer: 3/16/09
• Report Pass: 4/8/09
• Refer: 5/1/09
• Report Pass: 5/22/09
• Enrolled: 5/28/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Directing the State Preservation Board to initiate an effort to obtain missing photographs of early African American political leaders who are honored in a composite in the Capitol South Lobby and to ensure that the composite is included on Capitol tours.

Impact

The resolution directs the State Preservation Board to initiate an effort to obtain missing photographs of early African American political leaders honored in a composite displayed in the Capitol South Lobby. By ensuring that this historical representation is complete, the bill aims to provide a fuller narrative of Texas' political history that includes the contributions of African Americans. This initiative is anticipated to enhance educational efforts regarding civil rights and political engagement of African Americans in Texas history.

Summary

HCR81 is a concurrent resolution that emphasizes the significance of African Americans who served in the Texas Legislature between 1868 and 1900, as well as those involved in the Constitutional Conventions of 1868-1869 and 1875. The bill acknowledges the contributions of these leaders in shaping Texas history, particularly following the end of the Civil War and the passage of Black Codes that restricted the rights of African Americans. The resolution advocates for the preservation and recognition of their legacy, highlighting the need for ongoing education about their roles in the state's development.

Contention

A central point of contention related to HCR81 may revolve around the broader implications of historical recognition and representation in public spaces. Advocates argue that the inclusion of these photographs is essential for acknowledging the critical contributions of African Americans in shaping state governance and civil rights. In contrast, some critics could question the sufficiency of actions aiming to recover historical narratives while ignoring contemporary issues faced by African American communities today.