H.R. No. 301
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Tarrant County Black Historical and
Genealogical Society celebrated its 40th anniversary on April 22,
2017; and
WHEREAS, The organization was established in 1977 by
journalist and political activist Lenora Butler Rolla to expand
knowledge and appreciation of Tarrant County's African American
heritage; Mrs. Rolla had discovered that most materials related to
local African American history were held in private collections,
and she united a group of 21 charter members to create a public
archive; and
WHEREAS, Through the years, the society worked to locate,
collect, analyze, organize, and preserve artifacts reflecting the
African American experience and accomplishments in education,
science, business, politics, sports, and the arts; many families
donated records and personal items, from vintage clothes to
photographs, that reveal what life was like for African Americans
in the community's past; and
WHEREAS, The society's collection was housed at the Fort
Worth Public Library's Genealogy, History, and Archives Unit for a
time; the public can now view permanent displays and special
exhibitions at the Lenora Rolla Heritage Center Museum, located in
a restored home, the Boone House, in the Terrell Heights Historic
District; and
WHEREAS, The Tarrant County Black Historical and
Genealogical Society has significantly heightened awareness of the
important role played by African Americans in the community, and
through its dedicated stewardship of a rich legacy, the
organization has helped develop a broader perspective on the
heritage of Tarrant County; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commemorate the 40th
anniversary of the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical
Society and extend to all those associated with the organization
sincere best wishes for continued success in their endeavors; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the society as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Collier
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 301 was adopted by the House on August
15, 2017, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House