89R17554 KRT-D     By: Cole H.R. No. 489       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, Residents of Austin lost a beloved community leader   with the passing of Heath Donell Creech on February 24, 2025, at the   age of 57; and          WHEREAS, A digital media and marketing pioneer, Heath Creech   launched such successful businesses as Soulciti, a trailblazing   online news and cultural source for people of color; his efforts as   an entrepreneur were always community-focused, and he worked   tirelessly to improve workplace diversity and promote leadership   development among minorities in the technology field; over the   years, he collaborated with businesses, nonprofits, and public   figures to ensure representation across Austin's tech ecosystem,   spark meaningful conversations, and drive positive change; he made   a national impact at the South by Southwest conference, resulting   in diversification of programming and attendance; the #BlackAtSXSW   hashtag he coined has helped African Americans connect and expand   their presence at the prestigious event; and          WHEREAS, Mr. Creech was instrumental in founding a number of   influential organizations, among them GriotMedia, the African   American Leadership Institute, the Austin Area Heritage Council,   and MVMT50, a coalition of Black thought leaders in the innovation,   technology, and digital sectors; moreover, he played a key role in   shaping such cultural events as the Urban Music Fest, Jazz Fest, and   the MLK Day Parade; most recently, he was involved with supporting   the Black Men's Health Clinic Outreach Team in raising the profile   of the clinic, which provides education and access to medical care   for an underserved population; he was a mentor to many, and he   enjoyed the love and affection of myriad friends and a close and   devoted family, including his mother, his son, and his siblings;   and          WHEREAS, Although the death of Heath Creech has brought   profound sorrow to those who shared in the richness of his life, he   empowered innumerable people to carry on his vision of building a   better world, and his extraordinary contributions will continue to   resonate in the years to come; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas   Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Heath Donell Creech   and extend sincere sympathy to all who mourn his passing; and, be it   further          RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be   prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of   Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Heath   Creech.