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
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 1, 2009, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate