H.R. No. 2286
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Tanya Debose has greatly benefited the Independence
Heights community of Houston through her activism and advocacy work
focused on the preservation of African American history and
culture; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Houston, Ms. Debose has deep roots in
Independence Heights; her great-grandfather was one of the
pioneering figures who initially purchased land in the area as part
of an effort to create a new community for Blacks; in January 1915,
Independence Heights became the first municipality incorporated by
African Americans in Texas; the community was annexed to Houston in
1929; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Debose is a member of the advisory board of the
Prairie View A&M University Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and
Justice, and she is the founder of the Preserving Communities of
Color Initiative; through its annual conference and other
activities, the initiative brings together advocates, scholars,
elected officials, and other leaders and serves to connect historic
communities of color to a wide range of resources, tools, and
support; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Debose is also actively involved with the
Historic Black Towns and Settlements Alliance, and she is working
to create a statewide consortium of heritage councils to help
protect and sustain African American history and culture in the
Lone Star State; moreover, she is an American Leadership Forum
Fellow, and she is helping to build a national heritage corridor to
focus attention on the all-Black towns that were created after the
Civil War; and
WHEREAS, Tanya Debose has made a lasting and positive
difference in the community of Independence Heights, and it is a
pleasure to join in honoring her for her wide-ranging
contributions; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby commend Tanya Debose for her exceptional efforts
in behalf of the historic African American community of
Independence Heights and extend to her sincere best wishes for
continued success with her important work; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Ms. Debose as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
J. Johnson of Harris
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2286 was adopted by the House on May
29, 2023, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House