SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 187 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Kier Le'Juan Spates for his outstanding work in making a difference in the lives of those living with Sickle Cell Disease; and WHEREAS, Kier Spates is an accomplished performer and comedian who has appeared in venues around the world with such artists as Aretha Franklin, Lyfe Jennings, Music Soul Child, and Anita Baker; he has performed for military personnel on USO tours, and he has enjoyed great success as an Emmy-nominated writer for Steve Harvey's television show; and WHEREAS, Mr. Spates founded the Kier's Hope Foundation in Atlanta in 2015 to raise awareness of the issues facing children and adults with Sickle Cell Disease; now based in Dallas, the foundation has played a vital role in raising awareness across Texas of the effects of the disease; and WHEREAS, He has served as the celebrity ambassador for the Sickle Cell Disease Society of America and has been an invaluable supporter to those facing a lifetime of managing the disease; and WHEREAS, Raising awareness of Sickle Cell Disease is important for the health and safety of Texans across the state, and it is truly fitting that special recognition be given to Kier Spates and his foundation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby commend Kier Le'Juan Spates for his exceptional work on behalf of those suffering from Sickle Cell Disease and proclaim June of 2019 Kier's Hope Sickle Cell Awareness Month in Texas; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of Kier Spates and his foundation. West ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 12, 2019. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate