SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 147
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 Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
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 a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
the organizations as an expression of high regard from the
Texas Senate.
Menéndez
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 7, 2017.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate