110 HRES 510 IH: Honoring the life accomplishments and U.S. House of Representatives 2007-06-22 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV 110th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 510 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 22, 2007 Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas (for herself, Mr. Doggett, Ms. Kilpatrick, Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Reyes, Mr. Gonzalez, Mr. Salazar, Mr. Jackson of Illinois, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Lampson, Ms. Lee, Ms. Waters, Mr. Hinojosa, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Mr. Al Green of Texas, Mr. Cuellar, Mr. Conyers, Mr. Meek of Florida, Mr. Ellison, Ms. McCollum of Minnesota, Mr. Courtney, Mr. Sires, Mr. Altmire, Mr. Gene Green of Texas, Mr. Brady of Texas, Mrs. Jones of Ohio, and Mr. Lewis of Georgia) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor RESOLUTION Honoring the life accomplishments and extraordinary leadership of Sylvia K. Brooks, a 16-year President and CEO of the Houston Area Urban League (HAUL) and first female president of the Houston Urban League, who transformed the Houston Area Urban League into a nationally-recognized and respected social service agency.

Whereas Sylvia K. Brooks received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas Southern University and her Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California; and completed the Human Service Executive Management Program at Harvard University; Whereas Ms. Brooks’ education background led her into a successful career in human services in which she spent fourteen years as Vice President of Community Problem-Solving and Fund Distribution for the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast; Whereas in 1990, Ms. Brooks made history by becoming the first female President and CEO of the Houston Area Urban League, Inc. (HAUL), and while serving in that capacity, brought many new programs to the Urban League including: the opening of a Business Systems Training Center (Griggs); nationally recognized employment service; expansion of the Housing Counseling project for consumers who were previously unable to purchase a home; an outstanding youth leadership and parent development program; and a comprehensive volunteer recruitment program; Whereas during Ms. Brooks’ tenure as President and CEO, the Houston Area Urban League successfully completed a $2 million capital campaign, and officially moved into its new home at 1301 Texas Avenue in October 1998; Whereas Ms. Brooks is a founding member of the Third Ward Redevelopment Council, currently a member of the board of directors for the OST/Almeda Tax Increment Financing District, and a member of the American Leadership Forum. Ms. Brooks manages a staff of 53 with an annual budget of $4.6 million; Whereas as a homeowner in the Third Ward, Ms. Brooks helped organize the Third Ward Redevelopment Council, and is a member of the Third Ward Community Cloth, a collaboration of over 300 human service agencies in the Third Ward; Pilgrim Congregational Church; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; and Jack and Jill of Houston; Whereas the current success of the Houston Area Urban League is a direct result of the hard work and guidance over the past decade by Mrs. Sylvia K. Brooks, President and Chief Executive Officer. With 20 years of administrative and managerial leadership experience and her commitment to serving her community, Mrs. Brooks has met the mission of the League and built the services needed by the community and its members; Whereas under the leadership of Mrs. Brooks, the Houston Area Urban League has embarked on an aggressive campaign to ensure that all Houston citizens have an opportunity to participate fully in the benefits of being an American, a Texan and a Houstonian; Whereas Ms. Brooks has worked tirelessly in her pursuit of equal opportunity and fair treatment and access for all Houstonians; Whereas in June 2007, after more than 16 years of dedicated service, Sylvia K. Brooks will retire from the Houston Area Urban League; and Whereas Ms. Brooks is married to Errol, a great chef and devoted husband; and is the proud mother of three adult sons, Leland, Christopher, and Donald: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives commends Sylvia K. Brooks for her distinguished career of service and extraordinary leadership as President and CEO of the Houston Area Urban League.