Tribute to Douglas Robinson Greer
TRIBUTE TO DOUGLAS ROBINSON GREER -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 08, 2004)
Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to legendary civil rights attorney Douglas Robinson Greer. On July 15, 2004, California lost one of its most respected and accomplished advocates for civil rights when Douglas Greer passed away. As we remember and pay tribute to Douglas' many wonderful contributions to his friends, family, and fellow citizens, I ask all my colleagues to join me in saluting this exceptional man and my good friend, Douglas Robinson Greer.
A native of Los Angeles, Douglas was born on January 27, 1916 to Henry Douglas Greer and Leonie Robinson Greer. In 1920, the Douglas family relocated to Sacramento. Douglas was an accomplished student at William Land and Newton Booth Elementary Schools, and later, Stanford Jr. High and Sacramento Senior High School.
Douglas joined the U.S. Armed Services in 1942 and was stationed at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. After two years of service, Douglas enrolled at the University of California at Berkeley. Douglas received a Bachelor's degree in 1948.
Disheartened by the racism that surrounded him, Douglas made up his mind that he was going to play an active role in improving the lives of minorities. Douglas earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of San Francisco in 1952. A year later, Douglas opened the office of Douglas Greer, Attorney at Law. In doing so, Douglas became only the second African American to establish a full-time law practice in Sacramento's history.
As a lawyer, Douglas was a trailblazer and an ardent defender of civil rights and civil liberties. Doug fought hard to challenge unfair housing and discriminatory hiring practices. Many of his early clients could only afford to pay meager fees, or often none at all. But, Douglas remained undaunted.
Douglas was once quoted as saying that he was anxious to "get into court and get fighting." In of his cases in the late 1950s, Douglas demonstrated his commitment to justice and equality when he took on a case involving an African American couple that was prevented from buying a house in Sacramento because of their skin color. Douglas filed a malicious interference suit. The suit was then and remains the first such suit filed on the basis of race in California.
Throughout his illustrious career, Douglas showed a deep commitment to stand for justice and take on established entities such as Harrah's Casino, the Greyhound Bus Lines and the Home Loan Bank Board. Douglas gave it his all to test public accommodation laws and other acts of discriminatory practices. In many of his cases, Douglas triumphed in successfully lowering barriers of discrimination and the unfair treatment of minorities.
In addition to his status as one of the area's most well respected attorneys, Douglas was also active in the community. From 1953 to 1957, Douglas served with great distinction as the President of the Sacramento Chapter of the NAACP. Douglas was an icon of hope for many minorities. Douglas often urged young lawyers to challenge "unjust laws and racist systems." Throughout his life, Douglas' quiet courage, fighting spirit and his unwavering pursuit of commitment served as an inspiration to many who looked to his leadership and example. The Observer Newspaper recently recognized Douglas for his countless achievements and contributions by naming him one of Sacramento's "African American Legends."
Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Leonie Greer, and his sisters, Lucy Amerson and Portia Henderson. He is survived by a niece, Leonie Craddock, a nephew, Gilbert Craddock, three great nieces and a long list of professional associates, friends, and admirers.
Mr. Speaker, as Douglas Greer's family and friends gather to pay tribute to his wonderful life, I am honored to express my respect and gratitude to one of Sacramento's finest citizens. It was truly a privilege for me to count Douglas Greer as a friend. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring Douglas Greer's remarkable life.