[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 105 (Wednesday, September 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1554-E1555]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO DOUGLAS ROBINSON GREER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 8, 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.

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