State Representative Dawnna Dukes presented Huston-Tillotson University President Dr. Larry Earvin a check for $20,000 during the 13th Annual African American Community Heritage Festival. The previous record amount of $15,000 was donated in 2010.
“With this year’s donation, we have now given over $100,000 to the University over the past 13 years,” said Rep. Dukes. “We’ve worked hard to provide a free, family-friendly event everyone could enjoy and the fruits of our labor will grant a deserving student at Huston-Tillotson the opportunity to earn their college degree.”
President Earvin expressed his gratitude for the support Rep. Dukes continues to provide. “One of the best measures of the future of a university is how well it does with the local community and the continued support of the African American Community Heritage Festival along with others in the Austin area really bodes well for the University,” Dr. Earvin said.
State Rep. Dawnna Dukes, a long-time supporter and friend of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA®), was presented the “Big Voices for Little Texans” award by Texas CASA during the 13th Annual African American Community Heritage Festival at Huston-Tillotson University.
The award is reserved for legislators who have shown leadership in making children in Child Protective Services (CPS) custody — for whom the State of Texas is the parent — a priority during the last legislative session and her work in the interim.
“We are especially grateful for Rep. Dukes’ work on the budget throughout the last legislative session when she was able to find a way to fund CPS and to increase the state’s investment in CASA,” said Vicki Spriggs, Texas CASA chief executive officer.
“We are especially grateful that, even in this incredibly difficult budget situation, Rep. Dukes was steadfast in her commitment to continue moving toward a CASA volunteer for every child who needs one. CASA volunteers — and abused and neglected children who need us — have a great friend in the Capitol,” said Spriggs.
“It is truly an honor to receive this recognition from Texas CASA,” said Dukes. “It is important to ensure that all of our children, especially children in the foster care system, grow up in safe homes and that all of their needs are met.”
“We as a community have an obligation to take care of our most vulnerable citizens, especially when the adults in their lives have failed to protect them from abuse and neglect. CASA steps in to ensure that foster children’s voices are heard in the courts and that they receive the services necessary to realize their full potential.”
In Texas 98,435 children were confirmed as victims of abuse and neglect in 2011. Over 46,000 children were in the care and custody of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) last year. Texas CASA is a network of 69 local CASA programs throughout the state of Texas.
The Texas CASA community has more than 7,000 volunteers and served over 22,000 children in the foster care system in 2011.
The African-American Community Heritage Festival started in 2000 when Representative Dukes envisioned a family-friendly way for the community to celebrate the achievements of African Americans.
Partnering with the City of Austin, ProArts Collective, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and Huston-Tillotson University, the Festival has become a tradition of Black History Month celebrations in East Austin. Now in its 13th year, the Festival continues to bring more fun and entertainment for the whole family every year while celebrating cultural diversity.
For more information about becoming a CASA volunteer and to find the CASA program nearest you, please visit www.BecomeACASA.org
By Michelle Keller
Austin Times Staff
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