HR476 - In memory of Tanya Debose of Houston.

      H.R. No. 476       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life has drawn to a close with   the death of Tanya Debose of Houston on January 30, 2025, at the age   of 58; and          WHEREAS, An advocate for preserving African American history   and culture, Tanya Debose was born on April 4, 1966, and she was   best known for her work in the Independence Heights neighborhood of   Houston; she had deep roots in the community, as her   great-grandfather was one of the early pioneers to purchase land in   what became the first African American municipality in Texas; and          WHEREAS, Ms. Debose founded Preserving Communities of Color,   which focuses on protecting historic communities of color by   transforming them into inclusive cultural destinations; the   initiative consists of an annual conference bringing together   community advocates, civic leaders, scholars, and elected   officials, and it provides support to historic communities of   color, connecting them with tools and resources; and          WHEREAS, Ms. Debose participated in several national   initiatives, including the Historic Black Towns and Settlements   Alliance, where she spearheaded media campaigns aimed at raising   awareness of historic Black towns; in more recent years, Ms. Debose   coordinated a summit with the goal of building a national heritage   corridor across multiple states to connect leaders and promote   awareness of all-Black towns created after the Civil War; she made   efforts to create a statewide consortium of heritage councils with   the goal of fostering the preservation of African American history   and culture in the Lone Star State; and          WHEREAS, An engaged activist and an effective community   leader, Tanya Debose earned the lasting respect of all who were   privileged to know her, and she will forever be remembered with   great admiration and affection; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas   Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Tanya Debose and   extend heartfelt sympathy to her family and friends; 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 Tanya   Debose.     Ward Johnson     ______________________________   Speaker of the House                 I certify that H.R. No. 476 was unanimously adopted by a   rising vote of the House on March 31, 2025.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House