SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 817

In Memory

of

Grover Glenn Hankins

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Houston in mourning the loss of Grover Glenn Hankins, who died April 4, 2009, at the age of 68; and

WHEREAS, A former general counsel for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and an environmental law advocate, Mr. Hankins enjoyed a long and productive legal career committed to defending the rights of all Americans; and

WHEREAS, Grover Glenn Hankins was born November 18, 1940, in Waukegan, Illinois; a graduate of Augustana College, he earned a law degree at the University of Illinois College of Law; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hankins served the public in various capacities as an attorney; he worked with the United States Department of Justice in the Civil Rights Division Employment Section and the Criminal Division Organized Crime and Racketeering Strike Force; he also served as principal deputy general counsel for the United States Department of Health and Human Services; and

WHEREAS, As general counsel for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Mr. Hankins was in charge of litigation, dealing with such complex issues as school desegregation, voting rights, and employment and housing discrimination; and

WHEREAS, A recognized leader in the field of environmental law, he headed a nationally acclaimed environmental justice clinic for 10 years as a distinguished visiting professor at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hankins was an accomplished athlete and had competed in 14 marathons, including the Boston Marathon, and he was often seen in the regalia of his beloved Bruins of the University of California, Los Angeles; and

WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and compassion, he gave unselfishly to others, and his wisdom, determination, and valued counsel will not be forgotten by those who knew him; and

WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he will long be remembered with affection and admiration for his generous spirit and his many accomplishments; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Grover Glenn Hankins: his beloved wife, Lorna; his children, Karla, Kelly, Brett, and Stacy; his stepchildren, Jennifer, Bruce, and Ian; his brother, Andrew; and his seven grandchildren; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Grover Glenn Hankins.

Ellis

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 1, 2009, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate