H.R. No. 2604

	R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Harold T. Thomas has proven himself to be a valued
	supporter of the Juneteenth celebration in Galveston; and
	WHEREAS, An official state holiday since 1980, Juneteenth
	celebrates an important milestone in human rights in Texas, the
	first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston on June
	19, 1865, by Union general Gordon Granger, which effectively freed
	the 250,000 slaves in Texas at the end of the Civil War; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Thomas enhances his community through his
	contributions as the publisher of the Galveston County Observer
	News, the only African American newspaper serving Galveston County;
	and
	WHEREAS, This public-spirited citizen has provided
	outstanding news coverage of the Juneteenth celebrations on
	Galveston Island for more than 17 years; as part of that effort, he
	has reported on the Ashton Villa Emancipation Prayer Vigil and
	Breakfast and the Juneteenth Banquet at the historic Old Central
	Cultural Center for the past 12 years, and his work in keeping the
	public informed has contributed to increased participation in the
	observance; and
	WHEREAS, Through his dedication, Harold Thomas has helped to
	heighten awareness of the history of Juneteenth for visitors and
	residents of Galveston alike; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
	Legislature hereby commend Harold T. Thomas for his outstanding
	contributions in behalf of Juneteenth activities in Galveston and
	extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success and
	happiness; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
	prepared for Mr. Thomas as an expression of high regard by the Texas
	House of Representatives.
	Edwards
	______________________________
	Speaker of the House
	I certify that H.R. No. 2604 was adopted by the House on May
	31, 2009, by a non-record vote.
	______________________________
	Chief Clerk of the House