H.R. No. 2253
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Shirley Harris, the first Black graduate of Texas
State University in San Marcos, paved the way for other students of
color to pursue higher education; and
WHEREAS, A native of Smithville, Shirley Harris graduated
from Edwards High School in Gonzales as salutatorian; after
attending San Antonio College for two years, she transferred to
what was then known as Southwest Texas State College in 1965; two
years prior, a federal judge had officially ordered the school's
desegregation, and there were only a handful of Black students
enrolled when Ms. Harris arrived; she earned a bachelor's degree in
education on May 26, 1967, becoming the first Black person to
graduate from the school; and
WHEREAS, Following her graduation, Ms. Harris embarked on a
career as an elementary school teacher in the South San Antonio
Independent School District; after a year, she moved to Briscoe
Elementary School in San Antonio ISD, where she taught for more than
four decades before retiring in 2011; over the course of her 42-year
tenure, she made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of
young Texans; she passed away on March 31, 2018, at the age of 73;
and
WHEREAS, At a time when the aspirations of Black women were
impeded by racism, Shirley Harris fulfilled her ambition to obtain
a degree and to become a teacher, and her courage and fierce
determination are a source of lasting inspiration to countless men
and women across the Lone Star State and beyond; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life and legacy of Shirley
Harris; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for her family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of
Ms. Harris.
Zwiener
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2253 was adopted by the House on May
26, 2023, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House