87S10387 JGH-D By: Gervin-Hawkins H.R. No. 1 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Sammie Ward of Sam's Barber Shop in San Antonio has distinguished himself as a leader in his community through his efforts as a businessman, an advocate, and a local historian; and WHEREAS, A native of Gonzales, Sam Ward began cutting hair at Randolph Air Force Base, and at the age of 75, he is one of the oldest Black barbers still working in San Antonio; for several decades, he has been serving his customers at Sam's Barber Shop at East Commerce Street, on the East Side of San Antonio; over the years, he has cut the hair of multiple generations of the same families, and his shop has established itself as a place where area residents can gather to share stories, build relationships, and discuss issues of importance to the community; and WHEREAS, Mr. Ward has long been a stalwart supporter of his neighborhood, serving as its unofficial historian, as a mentor and counselor to younger people, and as an advocate for new businesses; his wisdom and generosity have earned him many loyal customers, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, he volunteered his shop as a site for delivering vaccinations to the public as part of the "Shots at the Shop" initiative; and WHEREAS, Those Texas businesspeople who build a record of dependability and longevity enjoy a special degree of esteem in their communities, and for many years, Sam Ward has been a beloved and respected champion for the East Side of San Antonio; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commend Sammie Ward for his long service to his community and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Ward as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.