H.R. No. 193

	R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The November 2023 International Indigenous and
	Native American Indian Gathering in Del Rio, hosted by the Warren
	Perryman Foundation for Native American Research, provides a
	fitting opportunity to recognize Tony Perryman, the organization's
	founder and CEO; and
	WHEREAS, The principal chief of the United Warrior Band of
	the Seminole Nation, "Thomi" Perryman is a descendant of the John
	Horse Band of the Black Seminole tribe, which originated in Florida
	during Spanish rule; African Americans fleeing slavery found a
	haven there and assimilated with the Seminole people; in the
	mid-19th century, John Horse conducted groups of Seminoles along
	the Trail of Tears to Indian Territory and gained fame as both
	warrior and diplomat; he went on to lead a Seminole group to Mexico
	in search of freedom, and his service in repelling bandits and
	raiders earned him the rank of captain in the Mexican Army; and
	WHEREAS, The U.S. Army began recruiting Black Seminoles from
	Mexico to protect the Texas frontier, and in 1870, it established
	the Seminole Negro Indian Scouts; based at Fort Duncan and Fort
	Clark, the scouts engaged in 26 campaigns, and several received the
	Medal of Honor for their actions; many went on to serve in Buffalo
	Soldier regiments; with numerous ancestral connections to the
	scouts, Thomi Perryman has fostered knowledge and appreciation of
	the Black Seminoles as an organizer and lecturer for many events;
	for a Seminole Days observance in Brackettville, he facilitated
	exchanges with members of the Lipan Apache Band to explore the
	complicated history between that tribe and the scouts; he named the
	Foundation for Native American Research in memory of his
	great-grandfather, Warren "Juan" Perryman, a culture-bearer who
	played a key role in securing military headstones from the War
	Department to mark graves in the Seminole Indian Scouts Cemetery in
	Brackettville; and
	WHEREAS, Thomi Perryman has demonstrated an exceptional
	commitment to the remarkable legacy of the Black Seminole Nation
	and the Seminole Negro Indian Scouts, and his endeavors have
	enlightened and engaged innumerable people; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
	Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby honor Tony "Thomi" Perryman
	for his contributions as founder and CEO of the Warren Perryman
	Foundation for Native American Research and extend to him sincere
	best wishes for the future; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
	prepared for Mr. Perryman as an expression of high regard by the
	Texas House of Representatives.
	Morales of Maverick
	______________________________
	Speaker of the House
	I certify that H.R. No. 193 was adopted by the House on
	November 7, 2023, by a non-record vote.
	______________________________
	Chief Clerk of the House