SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 828
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pride in
recognizing Myrtis Dightman on the occasion of the unveiling of
his portrait bust on May 13, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Legendary bull rider Myrtis Dightman, who
competed in rodeos in the 1960s and 1970s, was born in Crockett,
Texas, in 1935; he began his rodeo career at the age of 25 after a
brief career as a bullfighter; and
WHEREAS, A fearless bull rider and one of the most
successful cowboys of his time, Mr. Dightman was the first
African American cowboy to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo;
he went on to qualify for the competition seven times, and he is
the first living African American cowboy to be inducted into the
National Cowboy Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, He was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame
in 2001, the National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame in
2003, and the Professional Bull Riders Ring of Honor in 2003; he
appeared as himself in two major motion pictures, J. W. Coop and
Junior Bonner; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Myrtis Dightman endured hard
times, many challenges, and rough rides, and he is noted for
coming through it all with exemplary courage; his motto "you
should never give up on what you really want to do" is a
reflection of his life and career and serves as an inspiration to
all; and
WHEREAS, His portrait bust was sculpted by well-known
artist Paula Devereaux of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and is a work of
art that successfully captures the indomitable spirit and soul of
Myrtis Dightman; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
Legislature, hereby commend Myrtis Dightman on his outstanding
accomplishments and congratulate him on the occasion of the
unveiling of the Myrtis Dightman portrait bust; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
Ogden
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 26, 2011.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate