[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 176 Introduced in House (IH)]

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118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 176

       Recognizing the historical significance of Lawrence Silas.


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                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           February 27, 2023

Mr. Soto submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
                        Committee on Agriculture

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                               RESOLUTION


 
       Recognizing the historical significance of Lawrence Silas.

Whereas, in 1891, Lawrence Silas was born in a rural area of Kenansville, 
        Florida, to Tom, a formerly enslaved person, and Elizabeth Silas;
Whereas Lawrence Silas, in his youth, became the breadwinner for his mother and 
        his 12 siblings upon the passing of his father;
Whereas Lawrence Silas, with the support from his dear wife, Sarah Laurence 
        Silas, overcame financial struggles and discrimination biases to 
        gradually transform his passion for cattle into a prominent business 
        that aided to the development of his community;
Whereas despite racism and discrimination, Lawrence Silas demonstrated 
        remarkable dedication to work, great perseverance, and impressive 
        entrepreneurial skills;
Whereas Lawrence Silas' virtuous character and superb competence as a cattle 
        baron made him a role model for his community, and the power of his 
        timeless legacy continues to reverberate in Osceola County;
Whereas Lawrence Silas' empathetic leadership helped many citizens of his 
        community to overcome financial hurdles and to grow their passion for 
        cattle business;
Whereas Lawrence Silas' story represents the resilience and power of cattle 
        business in Osceola County and highlights Florida's historical 
        engagement with livestock business;
Whereas Lawrence Silas represents the intelligence, the diligent work attitude, 
        and the courageous spirit of the people in the cattle industry;
Whereas Lawrence Silas was an influential man in his community despite all 
        discriminations that Black people are subjected;
Whereas Lawrence Silas contributed to the development of livestock business in 
        Florida by several means: mastery managing his own land with thousands 
        of heads of cattle, providing expert advice for affluent dealers and 
        breeders, and creating jobs in his community;
Whereas Lawrence Silas had recognizable knowledge on many kinds of cow diseases, 
        which allowed him to handle his own cattle as well as from other owners;
Whereas Lawrence Silas bravely endured all dangers associated with livestock 
        management in a time where hunting wild cows was still necessary; and
Whereas Lawrence Silas was dedicated to cattle work and development throughout 
        his life: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that 
Lawrence Silas is a historically significant African American who has--
            (1) made important contributions for the development of 
        livestock business in Florida; and
            (2) defeated great challenges in his journey to becoming a 
        notorious cattleman in a society with strong racial 
        disparities.
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