H.R. No. 421
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Residents of Dallas and members of the New Morning
Star Missionary Baptist Church are gathering on March 17, 2023, to
commemorate the installation of a street sign topper bearing the
name of the church's founder and longtime pastor, the late
Dr. Walter Bookman; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Bookman, who led the West Dallas church as
pastor for more than four decades until his death in 1995, is the
first African American whose legacy will be recognized with a
street sign topper in the city of Dallas; it will serve as a lasting
reminder of his contributions as a humanitarian and civic leader,
which touched the lives of not only his congregants but countless
neighbors in the community; and
WHEREAS, In addition to providing guidance and support to the
members of his church, Reverend Bookman expressed his faith through
his deep compassion toward the poor and underprivileged; on
Sundays, his church would offer free breakfast to those who needed
it, and he went out of his way to find housing for people who had no
place to stay; he invited candidates for public office to the church
to help his congregants become better-informed voters, and he
personally paid visits to schools out of concern for students in the
area; and
WHEREAS, An esteemed spiritual leader, Reverend Bookman
founded both the Dallas West Ministerial Alliance and the Unity
District Association, which he also served as moderator emeritus;
he was the recipient of many honors, including the Man of the Year
award from the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Dallas;
and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Walter Bookman dedicated his life to
making his community a better place for everyone, and the
installation of a street sign topper in his honor will help ensure
that future generations continue to find inspiration in his example
of faith, kindness, and love for humanity; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the dedication of an honorary street
sign topper for the late Dr. Walter Bookman and pay tribute to the
remarkable life of this esteemed clergyman.
Jones of Dallas
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 421 was adopted by the House on March
14, 2023, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House