H.R. No. 2440 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Houston African Community International USA (HACIUSA) is holding the Houston African Arts Festival at the Bayou City Event Center on September 5 and 6, 2015; and WHEREAS, The annual Houston African Arts Festival highlights the vibrancy of that culture, showcasing the work of Africans and African immigrants in a variety of media, including music, art, poetry, theater, film, and textiles; with the theme "Celebrate Africa," this year's event will feature live music and dance performances, a fashion show, drumming, and other artistic and cultural displays, and attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy African food and to participate in games and raffles; and WHEREAS, This highly anticipated event serves to commemorate African contributions to the Greater Houston community while also stimulating the patronage of area businesses; proceeds raised at the festival will go toward educational initiatives, immigrant development programs, women's centers, and helping the homeless population in Houston; and WHEREAS, Ably led by founder and chief executive officer Dr. Gracie Chukwu, HACIUSA is dedicated to fostering international and intercultural understanding as well as encouraging worldwide collaboration among people of African descent; the nonprofit organization strives to achieve these goals locally by strengthening African culture to assist new immigrants, promoting social and economic resources, and increasing humanitarian efforts to preserve education, artistic endeavors, and youth interests in the community; and WHEREAS, The Houston African Arts Festival adds immeasurably to the cultural richness of the Bayou City, and this outstanding event and the people who make it happen are indeed deserving of recognition; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the Houston African Arts Festival and commend Houston African Community International USA for its exemplary work; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Houston African Community International USA as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Wu ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2440 was adopted by the House on May 21, 2015, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House