IN HCR0051

Memorializes former Representative William Crawford, who died on September 25, 2015, at age 79, recognizing his legacy as a champion for social justice and equality.

Crawford represented the 98th District in the Indiana House of Representatives from 1972 through 2012 (40 years), making him the most influential African-American elected official in Indiana's history and the longest serving state lawmaker in the United States.

Highlights Crawford's major legislative accomplishments including organizing the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, serving as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee in 2002 (first African-American to hold the position), creating the Minority Teachers Scholarship Program, and being instrumental in passage of the 21st Century Scholarship Program.

Details Crawford's civil rights advocacy including his work with community organizations such as the Indiana Black Expo, NAACP, and Concerned Clergy, and his role as lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against Indiana's Voter ID Law, which he challenged as an attempt to disenfranchise poor, minority, and Democratic voters.

Directs the Principal Clerk of the House of Representatives to transmit a copy of the resolution to Crawford's family.