81R33531 BPG-D
By: Alvarado H.R. No. 2112
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The inaugural Rosa Walker Award for Leadership event
is being held in Austin on May 18, 2009, and this occasion
represents an ideal opportunity to honor Mrs. Walker for her
outstanding efforts in behalf of working Texans over the course of
more than four decades; and
WHEREAS, A native of Hemphill, Mrs. Walker graduated from
Pineland High School and went to work for Southwestern Bell; her
membership in the Communication Workers of America sparked her
interest in organizing, and after serving as a commercial job
steward, she joined the executive board of her union; and
WHEREAS, The labor movement in the Lone Star State gained a
dedicated champion when Mrs. Walker accepted a full-time position
as an organizer for the Industrial Union Department of the AFL-CIO;
she went on to serve with the Harris County AFL-CIO until 1965, when
she began a remarkable 38-year career with the Texas AFL-CIO; and
WHEREAS, Deeply committed to the needs of workers,
Mrs. Walker served in a wide variety of capacities while holding
the titles of director of Community Services/Volunteers and Women's
Activities director; she also oversaw disaster relief operations,
fought for legislation to benefit working men and women, and
directed voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives; and
WHEREAS, This caring citizen was a founder of the Texas
Consumer Association and also shared her time and expertise as vice
president of the Texas Coalition of Labor Union Women and as a
member of the Democratic National Committee, the Texas Judicial
Conduct Commission, and the Texas Commission on the Status of
Women; moreover, she participated in the democratic process and
strove to benefit workers through her efforts in behalf of local,
state, and national political campaigns; she has been supported in
her tireless endeavors by her husband, Boyce Breedlove, and her
daughter, Debbie; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her professional life, Rosa Walker has
set a sterling example of civic engagement, and it is indeed fitting
to honor her inspirational role and lasting achievements with a
prestigious award bearing her name; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby commend Mrs. Walker for her contributions to the
State of Texas and commemorate the Rosa Walker Award for Leadership
inaugural event; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mrs. Walker as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.