[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E15-E16]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE RETIREMENT AND LEGACY OF MS. BRENDA SANDERS-WISE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARC A. VEASEY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 8, 2026

  Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Ms. 
Brenda Sanders-Wise for her extraordinary life of service, historic 
leadership, and enduring commitment to preserving the cultural legacy 
of Tarrant County through her lasting contributions to the Tarrant 
County Black Historical and Genealogy Society, and the Lenora Rolla 
Heritage Center Museum.
  Despite facing the harsh realities of segregation, which once 
prevented her from continuing her education in the very school district 
she now serves, Ms. Sanders-Wise persevered. She went on to become the 
first Black graduate of Haltom High School and, years later, made 
history again as the first Black school board trustee of Birdville 
Independent School District. Her journey stands as a testament to 
resilience, courage, and faith in the power of progress.
  For more than five decades, Ms. Sanders-Wise has been a steadfast 
steward of Fort Worth's Black history and culture. As Executive 
Director of the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical 
Society, a role she has held with distinction for 15 years, she has 
preserved irreplaceable narratives, provided educational programming 
and genealogy workshops for adults and children, and championed the 
importance of historical truth. Her

[[Page E16]]

leadership has also guided the development of the Lenora Rolla Heritage 
Center Museum, fulfilling a long-held vision to create a permanent home 
dedicated to Fort Worth's Black history and culture.
  Ms. Sanders-Wise's tenure has been marked by passion, integrity, and 
an unwavering commitment to historical truth. Through her guidance, the 
Society has remained a vital institution, strengthening community pride 
and honoring the legacy of pioneers such as the late Honorable Frank 
Moss, whose vision continues to inspire this important work.
  As the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society 
gathers under the theme ``A Legacy of Love--A Garden of Gratitude'' to 
celebrate her retirement, it is fitting that we pause to reflect on the 
profound impact of Ms. Sanders-Wise's labor of love. Her leadership has 
not only enriched our understanding of the past but has also laid a 
strong foundation for future generations to learn, grow, and lead.
  Today, we commend Ms. Brenda Sanders-Wise for her years of faithful 
service and extend our deepest gratitude for her enduring contributions 
to history, culture, and community. We wish her a joyful and fulfilling 
retirement, and we celebrate a legacy that will continue to bloom for 
generations to come.

                          ____________________