HR903: HR903 Griggs, Attorney Gerald A.; life, work, and contributions; honor

25 LC 112 3600 House Resolution 903 By: Representatives Bell of the 75 th, Willis of the 55 th, Holland of the 54th, Sharper of the 177th, and Reese of the 140th A RESOLUTION Honoring the life, work, and contributions of Attorney Gerald A . Griggs; and for other1 purposes.2 WHEREAS, Attorney Gerald A. Griggs is a distinguished Atlanta-b ased attorney, a3 passionate servant of the people, and a tireless advocate for justice, firmly dedicated to the4 fundamental principle that "we seek truth, mercy, and justice forever"; and5 WHEREAS, a 1996 graduate of Woodward Academy, he continued his academic pursuits6 at Oxford College of Emory University and Emory University, where he earned his Bachelor7 of Arts in 2000, followed by a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law8 in 2004; and9 WHEREAS, since passing the Georgia Bar Examination in 2004, Attorney Griggs has built10 a distinguished legal career, handling over 1,000 cases and ear ning a reputation as a11 well-respected litigator, particularly known for representing c lients in high-profile cases,12 including the Atlanta Public Schools Cheating Trial, Georgia's longest trial; and13 H. R. 903 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3600 WHEREAS, his expertise and legal acumen have been featured on m ajor media outlets,14 including WSBTV, ABC, NBC, FOX, CNN, FOX News, CBS, TV-ONE, and WGC L ,15 further amplifying his voice as an advocate for justice; and16 WHEREAS, Attorney Griggs made a significant impact on national policy and public17 awareness through his representation in the Jaheem Herrera case, which played a pivotal role18 in launching the National Anti-Bullying Movement and changing G eorgia's anti-bullying19 laws, ultimately leading him to be featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2009; and20 WHEREAS, he continues to promote anti-bullying initiatives, including as a featured speaker21 at the Second Annual National Federal Partners in Bullying Summit in Washington, D.C.,22 and as a leader of the Hot 107.9 Bullying is Not Hot Tour, spreading a message of awareness23 and prevention throughout Metro Atlanta schools; and24 WHEREAS, his dedication to community service extends beyond the courtroom as he serves25 as the First Vice President of the Atlanta Chapter of the NAACP and has previously served26 as the Third Vice President and Criminal Justice Committee Chair for the Georgia NAACP27 as well as its Field Director of District Coordinators; and28 WHEREAS, he has worked in partnership with organizations such as the Southern Christian29 Leadership Conference (SCLC), 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Emerging 100, the ACLU, the30 Urban League Young Professionals, and numerous other civic and social justice31 organizations committed to improving communities; and32 WHEREAS, his advocacy and commitment to social justice have been widely recognized,33 including being honored by the late Congressman John Lewis at t he 2016 Congressional34 Black Caucus Conference in Washington, D.C., as well as receiving accolades from the Gate35 H. R. 903 - 2 - 25 LC 112 3600 City Bar Association, Jack and Jill of Stone Mountain, the Links, the NAACP, and numerous36 other organizations; and37 WHEREAS, it is both fitting and proper to acknowledge and celeb rate the outstanding38 achievements and lifelong contributions of Attorney Gerald A. Griggs to the legal profession,39 civil rights, and the betterment of society.40 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that41 the members of this body honor Attorney Gerald A. Griggs for hi s unwavering dedication42 to justice, his fearless advocacy, and his profound impact on the community.43 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized44 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution ava ilable for distribution to45 Attorney Gerald A. Griggs.46 H. R. 903 - 3 -