Happy Fran Watson Day!

Many of us were not aware of it, but today Houston GLBT Caucus president Fran Watson was given another honor in what has started out to be an amazing year for her.

In addition to her historic election as the first African-American female president in the history of the Caucus, today she received at her inauguration celebration event a gavel from Texas state Senator John Whitmire (D) and a city of Houston proclamation signed by Mayor Sylvester Turner (D) and presented to her by Councilmember Robert Gallegos declaring today as Fran Watson Day!

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Whereas, founded in 1975, the Houston GLBT Political Caucus is one of the oldest LGBT civil rights organizations in the south. The Houston GLBT Political Caucus continues to be the City of Houston's primary organization working to advance equality for all LGBT Houstonians and,

Whereas, the Houston GLBT Political Caucus has been led by 30 past presidents. The election of Fran Watson as president marks the first election of an African American woman; and,

Whereas, Fran Watson has distinguished herself in the struggle for equal rights for all people through her tireless advocacy efforts organizing around LGBT equality, supporting homeless LGBT youth, working to combat the mistreatment of people of color through the Black Lives Matter movement, organizing to protect the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance and engaging communities of faith in support of social justice; and,

Whereas, on January 27, 2016, Fran Watson will be honored for her commitment to the advancement of LGBT Houstonians. The City of Houston commends Fran Watson and extends best wishes for her continued success.

Therefore, I, Sylvester Turner, Mayor of the City of Houston, hereby proclaim January 27, 2016, as Fran Watson Day in Houston, Texas.

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Congratulations, Fran!  Hope this is just the first of many well deserved honors you receive as one of our trailblazing community leaders I have mad love, respect and admiration for.

Happy Fran Watson Day!