SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 83
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
	recognize the Morney-Berry Farm for its many contributions to the
	appreciation of African American history in our state; and
	WHEREAS, The Morney-Berry Farm has for many years played an
	essential role in the life of the African American community in
	Dallas; since 1865, it has transformed from a residence that once
	housed slaveowners to a home bought and owned by former slaves
	and passed down to their descendants, who have earned recognition
	by the Family Land Heritage Program, which honors families that
	have owned or operated a farm for more than 100 years; and
	WHEREAS, Each year, the Morney-Berry Farm hosts a
	Juneteenth celebration that includes a re-enactment of the
	experiences of slaves in the United States; the program features
	a replica of an African village and examines the freedoms enjoyed
	by Africans before being placed in shackles by slave traders and
	herded onto slave ships; it goes on to replicate a slave auction,
	field work on a plantation, and escape to freedom on the
	Underground Railroad; and
	WHEREAS, By including an examination of the origins of the
	men, women, and children sold into slavery, this exceptional
	program presents a more complete narrative of their history, and
	by drawing attention to the horrors they faced, it also
	highlights the extraordinary scope of the achievements of freed
	slaves, who acquired land, established successful communities,
	and became economically self-sufficient in the face of ongoing
	prejudice and adversity; and
	WHEREAS, The farm's annual Juneteenth celebration helps to
	ensure that the struggles of African Americans during this
	painful chapter in American history are seen in their proper
	context and remain relevant in the present; and
	WHEREAS, To help further this important effort, the
	students of the Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program are
	providing their time and energy to perform vital cleanup and
	restoration work for this exceptional historic site; now,
	therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd
	Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby commend the proprietors
	of Morney-Berry Farm for their contributions to the
	dissemination of the state's history and extend to them best
	wishes for continued success; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
	the Morney-Berry Farm as an expression of esteem from the Texas
	Senate.
	West
		________________________________
		President of the Senate
		I hereby certify that the
		above Resolution was adopted by
		the Senate on July 25, 2013.
		________________________________
		Secretary of the Senate
		________________________________
		Member, Texas Senate