H.R. No. 489
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Residents of Austin lost a beloved community leader
with the passing of Heath Donell Creech on February 24, 2025, at the
age of 57; and
WHEREAS, A digital media and marketing pioneer, Heath Creech
launched such successful businesses as Soulciti, a trailblazing
online news and cultural source for people of color; his efforts as
an entrepreneur were always community-focused, and he worked
tirelessly to improve workplace diversity and promote leadership
development among minorities in the technology field; over the
years, he collaborated with businesses, nonprofits, and public
figures to ensure representation across Austin's tech ecosystem,
spark meaningful conversations, and drive positive change; he made
a national impact at the South by Southwest conference, resulting
in diversification of programming and attendance; the #BlackAtSXSW
hashtag he coined has helped African Americans connect and expand
their presence at the prestigious event; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Creech was instrumental in founding a number of
influential organizations, among them GriotMedia, the African
American Leadership Institute, the Austin Area Heritage Council,
and MVMT50, a coalition of Black thought leaders in the innovation,
technology, and digital sectors; moreover, he played a key role in
shaping such cultural events as the Urban Music Fest, Jazz Fest, and
the MLK Day Parade; most recently, he was involved with supporting
the Black Men's Health Clinic Outreach Team in raising the profile
of the clinic, which provides education and access to medical care
for an underserved population; he was a mentor to many, and he
enjoyed the love and affection of myriad friends and a close and
devoted family, including his mother, his son, and his siblings;
and
WHEREAS, Although the death of Heath Creech has brought
profound sorrow to those who shared in the richness of his life, he
empowered innumerable people to carry on his vision of building a
better world, and his extraordinary contributions will continue to
resonate in the years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Heath Donell Creech
and extend sincere sympathy to all who mourn his passing; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Heath
Creech.
Cole
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 489 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 31, 2025.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House