HR 903: Griggs, Attorney Gerald A.; life, work, and contributions; honor

House Resolution 903

By: Representatives Bell of the 75th, Willis of the 55th, 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 other purposes.

WHEREAS, Attorney Gerald A. Griggs is a distinguished Atlanta-based attorney, a passionate servant of the people, and a tireless advocate for justice, firmly dedicated to the fundamental principle that "we seek truth, mercy, and justice forever"; and

WHEREAS, a 1996 graduate of Woodward Academy, he continued his academic pursuits at Oxford College of Emory University and Emory University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in 2000, followed by a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 2004; and

WHEREAS, since passing the Georgia Bar Examination in 2004, Attorney Griggs has built a distinguished legal career, handling over 1,000 cases and earning a reputation as a well-respected litigator, particularly known for representing clients in high-profile cases, including the Atlanta Public Schools Cheating Trial, Georgia's longest trial; and

WHEREAS, his expertise and legal acumen have been featured on major media outlets, including WSBTV, ABC, NBC, FOX, CNN, FOX News, CBS, TV-ONE, and WGCL, further amplifying his voice as an advocate for justice; and

WHEREAS, Attorney Griggs made a significant impact on national policy and public awareness through his representation in the Jaheem Herrera case, which played a pivotal role in launching the National Anti-Bullying Movement and changing Georgia's anti-bullying laws, ultimately leading him to be featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2009; and

WHEREAS, he continues to promote anti-bullying initiatives, including as a featured speaker at the Second Annual National Federal Partners in Bullying Summit in Washington, D.C., and as a leader of the Hot 107.9 Bullying is Not Hot Tour, spreading a message of awareness and prevention throughout Metro Atlanta schools; and

WHEREAS, his dedication to community service extends beyond the courtroom as he serves as the First Vice President of the Atlanta Chapter of the NAACP and has previously served as the Third Vice President and Criminal Justice Committee Chair for the Georgia NAACP as well as its Field Director of District Coordinators; and

WHEREAS, he has worked in partnership with organizations such as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Emerging 100, the ACLU, the Urban League Young Professionals, and numerous other civic and social justice organizations committed to improving communities; and

WHEREAS, his advocacy and commitment to social justice have been widely recognized, including being honored by the late Congressman John Lewis at the 2016 Congressional Black Caucus Conference in Washington, D.C., as well as receiving accolades from the Gate City Bar Association, Jack and Jill of Stone Mountain, the Links, the NAACP, and numerous other organizations; and

WHEREAS, it is both fitting and proper to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding achievements and lifelong contributions of Attorney Gerald A. Griggs to the legal profession, civil rights, and the betterment of society.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body honor Attorney Gerald A. Griggs for his unwavering dedication to justice, his fearless advocacy, and his profound impact on the community. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Attorney Gerald A. Griggs.