Senate Resolution No. 361 recognizes the fourth annual Texas HBCU Conference Series, titled Democracy Schools, which will be held at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin on April 4 and 5, 2025. The conference series, established in 2022, is part of a leadership development and civic engagement initiative that draws inspiration from historical grassroots activism, particularly the Freedom Schools of the civil rights era. It aims to foster discussions on civic capacity building and the role of community institutions, bringing together students, faculty, staff from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and community partners to explore diverse perspectives on democracy and citizenship across various disciplines.

The 2025 conference will focus on the theme of civic power and the legacy of HBCUs, examining how civil society groups and institutions can enhance and renew democracy. The resolution highlights the significant contributions of HBCUs in cultivating meaningful citizenship and advancing democracy in Texas and the nation. In recognition of this event, the Senate declares April 4, 2025, as Texas HBCU Day and extends best wishes for a successful conference, with a copy of the resolution to be prepared in honor of the occasion.