85R9926 KSM-D
By: Gervin-Hawkins H.R. No. 320
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Proud members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Zeta
Phi Beta Sorority are gathering in Austin on February 7, 2017, to
celebrate Blue and White Day at the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, In 1914, Phi Beta Sigma was established at Howard
University, and six years later, Zeta Phi Beta was formed with the
fraternity's assistance; the two organizations are
constitutionally bound and enjoy a mutually supportive
relationship; and
WHEREAS, Phi Beta Sigma now has more than 290,000 lifetime
members in the United States and beyond; over the years, the group
has expanded its service mission by creating the Phi Beta Sigma
National Foundation, the Phi Beta Sigma Federal Credit Union, and
the Sigma Beta Club Foundation; members also sponsor international
programs focusing on education, business development, and social
action, and in response to former president Barack Obama's My
Brother's Keeper initiative, they adopted a 10-point action plan to
address issues impacting men of color; and
WHEREAS, Zeta Phi Beta is dedicated to improving the human
condition both at home and abroad; it was the first National
Pan-Hellenic Council organization to charter a chapter in Africa,
and it now has a membership of over 125,000 in hundreds of chapters
around the world; since its inception, its members have worked to
transform their communities through volunteerism, and they have
advocated powerfully for social and civic progress; through its
National Educational Foundation, the group awards scholarships,
conducts community education and training programs, and supports
scientific research; and
WHEREAS, A joint effort of Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta,
Blue and White Day provides an opportunity for the organizations'
members to reaffirm their steadfast commitment to community service
and civic engagement, and it is indeed a pleasure to recognize their
contributions at this time; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate Blue and White Day at the State
Capitol and extend to the delegations from Phi Beta Sigma
Fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority sincere best wishes for an
enjoyable and meaningful event; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the organizations as an expression of high regard by
the Texas House of Representatives.