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Fort Worth council honors local organizations, presents awards and approves consent agenda
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Summary
The council recognized the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Worth Black Law Enforcement Officers Association, Pastor Randy Hardesty and musician Kirk Franklin; the Sister Cities student ambassadors took an oath. The consent agenda passed and the council adopted a ceremonial recognition for Gina Bivens.
The Fort Worth City Council opened its meeting with a series of recognitions and ceremonial presentations.
Councilmembers read proclamations commending the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce for its work supporting small-business development and access to capital in partnership with banks including JPMorgan Chase and Prosperity Bank. Michelle Thomas spoke on behalf of the chamber to thank the mayor, council and partners.
Councilmembers also recognized the Fort Worth Black Law Enforcement Officers Association for community service and mentorship, and presented a distinguished service recognition to Pastor Randy Hardesty for two decades of service with the Fort Worth Police and Clergy Alliance (CAPA). Pastor Hardesty offered brief remarks thanking the city.
The council presented a recognition to native son Kirk Franklin, noting his career as a 20-time Grammy-winning artist and his Fort Worth upbringing; Franklin thanked the city and recalled growing up in Fort Worth.
Fort Worth Sister Cities introduced 56 student ambassadors selected for international exchanges in 2026 (France, Italy, Japan, Germany and Eswatini). Council administered an oath of citizen diplomacy and nearly $25,000 in community scholarships for travel were noted.
On routine business, the council approved the consent agenda (staff reported no items withdrawn). Public speakers addressed consent items including a statement supporting acceptance of grant funding for Fort Worth Animal Care and Control shelters; the council moved, seconded and the motion carried to approve the consent agenda. The transcript shows a ceremonial motion to designate Gina Bivens with a city honor; the motion passed.
The meeting then moved into non-consent public comment on pending items including the residency restriction ordinance and charter/bond proposals.
