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
Extending condolences on the death of the Honorable James R.
Roebuck of Philadelphia, who represented the 188th
Legislative District in the House of Representatives from
1985 through 2020.
WHEREAS, Mr. Roebuck died May 15, 2024, at 79 years of age;
and
WHEREAS, The House of Representatives notes Mr. Roebuck's
significant civic, academic and political experience along with
his record of advancing equity and inclusion; and
WHEREAS, Born February 12, 1945, in Philadelphia, Mr. Roebuck
is remembered for his community participation and commitment to
the welfare of the residents of West Philadelphia and
Philadelphia County; and
WHEREAS, A 1963 graduate of Central High School, Mr. Roebuck
earned a bachelor's degree from Virginia Union University as
well as a master's degree and doctor of philosophy degree from
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the University of Virginia; and
WHEREAS, During the 1969-1970 academic year, as the first
African-American president of the University of Virginia Student
Council, Mr. Roebuck provided leadership during antiwar protests
and the movement toward full coeducation; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Roebuck is remembered for his influence and
energies on behalf of the progress of education; and
WHEREAS, Before entering public service, Mr. Roebuck was a
longtime lecturer and assistant professor of history at Drexel
University; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Roebuck formerly chaired the Education Committee
of the House of Representatives; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Roebuck was appointed to the Task Force on
Higher Education Funding, the Public School Building
Construction and Reconstruction Advisory Committee, the Special
Education Funding Commission and the Higher Education Funding
Commission; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Roebuck is remembered for his exemplary work to
enact the goals of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus as
a member and chairperson while in office; and
WHEREAS, In 2021, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus
Scholarship was renamed in his honor; and
WHEREAS, The James R. Roebuck Pennsylvania Legislative Black
Caucus Scholarship, presented annually to graduating high school
seniors and undergraduates, meets financial needs and promotes
the academic success of recipients throughout this Commonwealth;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Roebuck's wife, Cheryl Arrington Roebuck, a
distinguished musician and School District of Philadelphia music
teacher, died in 2016; and
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WHEREAS, The Roebucks attended Arch Street United Methodist
Church in Philadelphia; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives extend
condolences on the death of the Honorable James R. Roebuck of
Philadelphia, who represented the 188th Legislative District in
the House of Representatives from 1985 through 2020; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to
the family of James R. Roebuck.
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