81R6917 JKB-D
By: McClendon H.R. No. 526
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The 75th anniversary of the founding of Phillis
Wheatley High School in San Antonio is being celebrated on February
27, 2009, and this noteworthy milestone provides a welcome
opportunity to pay tribute to the history of this landmark
educational institution; and
WHEREAS, Phillis Wheatley High School was originally
established in 1933 on the east side of San Antonio, and it was at
that time the only area high school for African American students;
the building closed its doors in 1970; and
WHEREAS, Numerous people protested the loss of the iconic
school, and as a result, the campus previously known as
Brackenridge High School was renamed Phillis Wheatley High School
when that institution was rebuilt in the 1970s; meanwhile, the
original Phillis Wheatley school building reopened as Emerson
Middle School; and
WHEREAS, Interest in the historic home of the school
increased after the Phillis Wheatley Alumni Association was formed
in 1983 and began holding all-school reunions every two years; in
1986, the Phillis Wheatley association joined forces with the
Brackenridge Alumni Association to petition the board of the San
Antonio Independent School District to restore the original names
of the historic school buildings; ultimately, this plan was
approved by the board, staff, and students, and Emerson Middle
School, the original site of Phillis Wheatley High School, became
Phillis Wheatley Middle School; in addition, the Brackenridge title
was reapplied to the high school that had originally held that name;
and
WHEREAS, Designated as an official landmark by the San
Antonio Historical Society, the original Phillis Wheatley school
building on Gabriel Street is a true piece of Texas history that
continues its mission of preparing young people for the future, and
the rich and significant heritage of this esteemed institution is
indeed deserving of recognition; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby honor the 75th anniversary of the founding of
Phillis Wheatley High School and extend best wishes to its alumni
and to the current students and staff of the middle school; and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the school as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.