H.R. No. 1449 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Admiral David C. Tyson Jr. of Richardson has greatly benefited his fellow citizens through his exceptional record of civic engagement; and WHEREAS, Commissioned as an admiral in the Texas Navy by Governor Rick Perry in recognition of his community service, David Tyson currently works to improve the lives of his fellow citizens as a member of the House District 102 Steering Committee; he has been a tireless champion of education equity, and his successful voting rights lawsuit against the Richardson Independent School District led to the end of its at-large election process, which blocked minority candidates from winning trustee elections and concentrated power in wealthy areas of the city; the district settled in 2019, and following the advent of a system with five single member districts and two at-large trustees, the composition of the school board became more representative of the district's majority-minority population; and WHEREAS, Admiral Tyson was the first person of color elected to the RISD school board; serving from 2004 to 2010, he was the board's delegate to the Texas Association of School Boards and liaison to the RISD Bi-Racial Committee; he further served as treasurer and as a member of the RISD Technology and District Planning Committees; during his tenure, he was a strong voice for minority views in the community and advocated powerfully for resources to enhance student achievement in schools in less affluent neighborhoods; his bold vision and effective advocacy led to a number of key initiatives; and WHEREAS, Over the years, Admiral Tyson has given generously of his time and talents to numerous worthy organizations; he has been a scoutmaster and unit commissioner for the Boy Scouts of America, as well as a member of the Circle Ten Council, BSA, and the National Eagle Scout Association; moreover, he chaired the RISD School Night for Scouting; he is a founder of the Sankofa Foundation and has been a valued member of Hamilton Park United Methodist Church, the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands, and Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity; and WHEREAS, A Louisiana native, Admiral Tyson graduated from Southern University and pursued a dynamic career as a sales and marketing executive; and WHEREAS, David Tyson has made a lasting, positive difference in Richardson, and his outstanding accomplishments have earned him the admiration and appreciation of area residents; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby honor Admiral David C. Tyson Jr. for his contributions to the Richardson community and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Admiral Tyson as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Ramos ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1449 was adopted by the House on May 5, 2023, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House