81R32896 JNC-D
By: Edwards H.R. No. 2368
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Douglas Matthews has long been a valued supporter of
the celebration of Juneteenth in Galveston; and
WHEREAS, An official state holiday since 1980, Juneteenth
commemorates an important milestone in human rights in Texas, the
first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston on June
19, 1865, by Union general Gordon Granger, which effectively freed
the 250,000 slaves in Texas at the end of the Civil War; and
WHEREAS, Douglas Matthews is assistant vice president for
government relations at The University of Texas Medical Branch in
Galveston; a leading member of his profession, he has also
distinguished himself through his energetic participation in a
number of community organizations and activities; and
WHEREAS, This public-spirited citizen serves as chairman of
the State Juneteenth Advisory Committee, which is responsible for
designing and constructing two state Juneteenth monuments; in
addition, he is Galveston coordinator of Juneteenth USA and
contributes to the Ashton Villa Juneteenth Celebration, now in its
30th year, and the Al Edwards Juneteenth Banquet, celebrating its
13th year in 2009; and
WHEREAS, Through his ongoing leadership, Mr. Matthews has
helped to ensure a continued awareness of this landmark event, not
only in Galveston but also across the state; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby commend Douglas Matthews for his notable support
of Juneteenth activities and extend to him sincere best wishes for
continued success and happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Matthews as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.