SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1991-8655

By Senators Rinehart, Niemi and Bluechel

      WHEREAS, Professor Charles R. Johnson has taught at the University of Washington for fourteen years and has directed the creative writing program for the past three years; and

      WHEREAS, Washington has honored Professor Johnson's work twice before with the 1983 and 1989 Governor's Award for Literature; and

      WHEREAS, The University of Washington recently named Professor Johnson the Pollock Professor for English, an appointment usually reserved for visiting professors; and

      WHEREAS, Professor Johnson's third novel, The Middle Passage, won the 1990 National Book Award for fiction, and has been described as "heroic in proportion" and as "an emancipation proclamation for black writers"; and

      WHEREAS Professor Johnson is the fourth African-American writer to receive the award in its 40-year history, joining the ranks of Ralph Ellison, Gloria Naylor, and Alice Walker; and

      WHEREAS, Professor Johnson's other works include two novels -- Faith and the Good Thing and Oxherding Tale; a volume of short stories -- The Sorcerer's Apprentice; and a critical study of black writers -- Being and Race, as well as film and television scripts; and

      WHEREAS, Professor Johnson is prized and respected at the University of Washington as an effective and committed teacher as well as a writer;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Washington, recognize Professor Charles R. Johnson for the honor and distinction he has brought to himself, the University of Washington and to the State of Washington; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate salute the unique literary style that has earned Professor Johnson his many honors; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Professor Johnson and to University of Washington President William P. Gerberding.

I, Gordon A. Golob, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 1991-8655,

adopted by the Senate April 10, 1991.

GORDON A. GOLOB

Secretary of the Senate