---
title: "Recognizing the historical significance of Lawrence Silas."
identifier: "118-HRES-176"
congress: 118
bill_number: 176
bill_type: "HRES"
version_code: "ih"
version_type: "Introduced in House"
bill_url: "https://chamberzero.com/congresses/118/bills/hres/176"
source: "https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/176"
site: "Chamber Zero"
site_url: "https://chamberzero.com"
rendered_at: "2026-06-03T22:56:02.785Z"
---
Whereas, in 1891, Lawrence Silas was born in a rural area of Kenansville, Florida, to Tom, a formerly enslaved person, and Elizabeth Silas;Whereas Lawrence Silas, in his youth, became the breadwinner for his mother and his 12 siblings upon the passing of his father;Whereas Lawrence Silas, with the support from his dear wife, Sarah Laurence Silas, overcame financial struggles and discrimination biases to gradually transform his passion for cattle into a prominent business that aided to the development of his community;Whereas despite racism and discrimination, Lawrence Silas demonstrated remarkable dedication to work, great perseverance, and impressive entrepreneurial skills;Whereas Lawrence Silas’ virtuous character and superb competence as a cattle baron made him a role model for his community, and the power of his timeless legacy continues to reverberate in Osceola County;Whereas Lawrence Silas’ empathetic leadership helped many citizens of his community to overcome financial hurdles and to grow their passion for cattle business;Whereas Lawrence Silas’ story represents the resilience and power of cattle business in Osceola County and highlights Florida’s historical engagement with livestock business;Whereas Lawrence Silas represents the intelligence, the diligent work attitude, and the courageous spirit of the people in the cattle industry;Whereas Lawrence Silas was an influential man in his community despite all discriminations that Black people are subjected;Whereas Lawrence Silas contributed to the development of livestock business in Florida by several means: mastery managing his own land with thousands of heads of cattle, providing expert advice for affluent dealers and breeders, and creating jobs in his community;Whereas Lawrence Silas had recognizable knowledge on many kinds of cow diseases, which allowed him to handle his own cattle as well as from other owners;Whereas Lawrence Silas bravely endured all dangers associated with livestock management in a time where hunting wild cows was still necessary; andWhereas Lawrence Silas was dedicated to cattle work and development throughout his life: Now, therefore, be itThat it is the sense of the House of Representatives that Lawrence Silas is a historically significant African American who has—
  - (1) made important contributions for the development of livestock business in Florida; and
  - (2) defeated great challenges in his journey to becoming a notorious cattleman in a society with strong racial disparities.