REFERENCE TITLE: honoring; first African American legislators

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-sixth Legislature

Second Regular Session

2024

HR 2002

Introduced by

Representatives Crews: Contreras P

A Resolution

recognizing hayzel daniels and carl sims as the first african american members of the Arizona house of representatives.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Whereas, Hayzel Burton Daniels was born in Fort Clark, Texas in 1907. His father was a Buffalo Soldier in the 10th Cavalry Regiment.  The Daniels family moved to Fort Huachuca in 1913 and later to Nogales, Arizona.  An outstanding football player known as the "Flying Ebony," Hayzel Daniels was the Arizona Republic's first African American All-State player, with a 301-yard rushing effort at Tucson High School in 1925.  He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Arizona and became a teacher before serving in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. When Mr. Daniels returned from military service, he attended the University of Arizona to study law; and

Whereas, after his graduation from law school, Hayzel Daniels moved to Phoenix and, although he was Arizona's second black attorney, he was the first African American to be admitted to the State Bar of Arizona. In 1950, he was elected to represent Maricopa County's 8th District in the Arizona House of Representatives during the 20th Legislature. After serving in the Legislature, Mr. Daniels took a position as Arizona's first black Assistant Attorney General.  In 1965 the Mayor of Phoenix appointed him to the position of City Magistrate, making him the first black judge in Arizona history.  Mr. Daniels went on to found what would become the Arizona Black Bar Association; and

Whereas, Carl Sims was born in Bremond, Texas and moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1927.  In Phoenix he worked as a gardener and a painting contractor.  Mr. Sims also worked for the Maricopa County Highway Department and as a Deputy Sheriff in Maricopa County; and

Whereas, in 1950, Carl Sims was elected to represent District 19 in the House of Representatives during the 20th through 24th Legislatures.  During his legislative tenure, Representative Sims championed civil rights and, in coordination with the Greater Phoenix Council for Civic Unity, the NAACP, the Urban League and other organizations, pushed for school desegregation. In the Legislature, Representative Sims sponsored Arizona's first rabies control bill, which became law in 1962; and

Whereas, since Arizona achieved statehood in 1912, countless citizens of this state have stepped up as employees and elected officials in various capacities of public service. From all walks of life, cultures, and religious and political persuasions, these individuals serve key functions in our state's governmental processes through their diligent efforts to ensure the well-being of our great state. It is indeed fitting that we honor the dedicated contributions of citizens such as Hayzel Daniels and Carl Sims for their historic public service.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona:

That the Members of the House of Representatives honor the legacy of Representatives Hayzel Daniels and Carl Sims and pay tribute to their groundbreaking record of public service.