PRINTER'S NO. 3193
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 458
Session of
2024
INTRODUCED BY KRAJEWSKI, N. NELSON, PARKER, SMITH-WADE-EL,
FLEMING, KHAN, MAYES, YOUNG, ABNEY, BELLMON, A. BROWN,
BULLOCK, BURGOS, CEPEDA-FREYTIZ, CEPHAS, CURRY, DAWKINS,
GIRAL, GREEN, GUZMAN, HARRIS, HILL-EVANS, KAZEEM, KENYATTA,
KIM, KINSEY, MADSEN, McCLINTON, POWELL, RABB, SCOTT, VENKAT
AND D. WILLIAMS, JUNE 3, 2024
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
JUNE 3, 2024
A RESOLUTION
1 Extending condolences on the death of the Honorable James R.
2 Roebuck of Philadelphia, who represented the 188th
3 Legislative District in the House of Representatives from
4 1985 through 2020.
5 WHEREAS, Mr. Roebuck died May 15, 2024, at 79 years of age;
6 and
7 WHEREAS, The House of Representatives notes Mr. Roebuck's
8 significant civic, academic and political experience along with
9 his record of advancing equity and inclusion; and
10 WHEREAS, Born February 12, 1945, in Philadelphia, Mr. Roebuck
11 is remembered for his community participation and commitment to
12 the welfare of the residents of West Philadelphia and
13 Philadelphia County; and
14 WHEREAS, A 1963 graduate of Central High School, Mr. Roebuck
15 earned a bachelor's degree from Virginia Union University as
16 well as a master's degree and doctor of philosophy degree from
 1 the University of Virginia; and
2 WHEREAS, During the 1969-1970 academic year, as the first
3 African-American president of the University of Virginia Student
4 Council, Mr. Roebuck provided leadership during antiwar protests
5 and the movement toward full coeducation; and
6 WHEREAS, Mr. Roebuck is remembered for his influence and
7 energies on behalf of the progress of education; and
8 WHEREAS, Before entering public service, Mr. Roebuck was a
9 longtime lecturer and assistant professor of history at Drexel
10 University; and
11 WHEREAS, Mr. Roebuck formerly chaired the Education Committee
12 of the House of Representatives; and
13 WHEREAS, Mr. Roebuck was appointed to the Task Force on
14 Higher Education Funding, the Public School Building
15 Construction and Reconstruction Advisory Committee, the Special
16 Education Funding Commission and the Higher Education Funding
17 Commission; and
18 WHEREAS, Mr. Roebuck is remembered for his exemplary work to
19 enact the goals of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus as
20 a member and chairperson while in office; and
21 WHEREAS, In 2021, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus
22 Scholarship was renamed in his honor; and
23 WHEREAS, The James R. Roebuck Pennsylvania Legislative Black
24 Caucus Scholarship, presented annually to graduating high school
25 seniors and undergraduates, meets financial needs and promotes
26 the academic success of recipients throughout this Commonwealth;
27 and
28 WHEREAS, Mr. Roebuck's wife, Cheryl Arrington Roebuck, a
29 distinguished musician and School District of Philadelphia music
30 teacher, died in 2016; and
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1 WHEREAS, The Roebucks attended Arch Street United Methodist
2 Church in Philadelphia; therefore be it
3 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives extend
4 condolences on the death of the Honorable James R. Roebuck of
5 Philadelphia, who represented the 188th Legislative District in
6 the House of Representatives from 1985 through 2020; and be it
7 further
8 RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to
9 the family of James R. Roebuck.
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