SR-233, As Adopted by Senate, December 18, 2008

            Senators Scott, Thomas, Hunter and Clark-Coleman offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 233.

            A resolution in memory of the Honorable Robert Blackwell, former mayor of the city of Highland Park and the first elected African-American Republican in the nation.

            Whereas, Mr. Robert Blackwell was born in Meridian, Mississippi, and came to Highland Park, Michigan, in 1950 after graduating from Howard University in Washinton, D.C., with a degree in chemistry; and

            Whereas, Mr. Blackwell was a production planner for Chrysler and served three terms as president of his local United Auto Workers chapter; and

            Whereas, Mr. Blackwell entered the political arena as a Republican in the 1960s, and in 1963, was appointed executive secretary of the Michigan Labor Mediation Board by then-Governor George Romney; and

            Whereas, In 1965, Mr. Blackwell was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Highland Park City Council; and

            Whereas, Mr. Blackwell was elected mayor of Highland Park in 1968 and became the first African-American Republican elected official in the nation; and

            Whereas, He toured the country making speeches in the company of prominent Republicans; and

            Whereas, Mr. Blackwell served as mayor until 1975 and then again from 1980-1984, after switching parties and running as a Democrat; and

            Whereas, The life of Robert Blackwell is a study in the power of hard work, dedication, and commitment to his career, his family, his city, and his state; and

            Whereas, Mr. Blackwell passed away on December 16, 2008; and

            Whereas, Mr. Blackwell was a dedicated public servant and caring person who enriched many lives; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we offer our words of praise as a memorial for Highland Park Mayor Robert Blackwell; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the city of Highland Park and the family of Robert Blackwell, that they may find comfort in their faith and their memories of this fine man and his distinguished career.