SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 83
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize the Morney-Berry Farm for its many contributions to the
appreciation of African American history in our state; and
WHEREAS, The Morney-Berry Farm has for many years played an
essential role in the life of the African American community in
Dallas; since 1865, it has transformed from a residence that once
housed slaveowners to a home bought and owned by former slaves
and passed down to their descendants, who have earned recognition
by the Family Land Heritage Program, which honors families that
have owned or operated a farm for more than 100 years; and
WHEREAS, Each year, the Morney-Berry Farm hosts a
Juneteenth celebration that includes a re-enactment of the
experiences of slaves in the United States; the program features
a replica of an African village and examines the freedoms enjoyed
by Africans before being placed in shackles by slave traders and
herded onto slave ships; it goes on to replicate a slave auction,
field work on a plantation, and escape to freedom on the
Underground Railroad; and
WHEREAS, By including an examination of the origins of the
men, women, and children sold into slavery, this exceptional
program presents a more complete narrative of their history, and
by drawing attention to the horrors they faced, it also
highlights the extraordinary scope of the achievements of freed
slaves, who acquired land, established successful communities,
and became economically self-sufficient in the face of ongoing
prejudice and adversity; and
WHEREAS, The farm's annual Juneteenth celebration helps to
ensure that the struggles of African Americans during this
painful chapter in American history are seen in their proper
context and remain relevant in the present; and
WHEREAS, To help further this important effort, the
students of the Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program are
providing their time and energy to perform vital cleanup and
restoration work for this exceptional historic site; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby commend the proprietors
of Morney-Berry Farm for their contributions to the
dissemination of the state's history and extend to them best
wishes for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
the Morney-Berry Farm as an expression of esteem from the Texas
Senate.
West
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on July 25, 2013.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate