Roger Ware BANKS

To the family of Roger Banks (and to all he touched around the country),

We have lost a steady and strength-giving man. His presence always gave comfort in our fights for justice throughout the years. Thanks, Roger, for all you did for me and my group, the Welfare Rights Committee. To Roger's family, I know he could not have been the person he was without you. We mourn his loss and promise to honor his legacy.

I just learned of Roger's recent death and want to express my sympathy to the family.

Roger was a kind and gentle man, a true advocate for social and economic justice. What a wonderful human being! I join many others who will truly miss Roger.

May God bless your family in this time of sorrow. We will always remember Roger as a great humanitarian.

Mr. Banks was what my pastor in Memphis would refer to as "a willing worker." When found at the State Council on Black Minnesotans office, a pen and paper were never far from him. Poised with tools of his research training, he was always ready to apply an analytical mind to the community problem at-hand. A mental group photo of Roger, Milford, Taye and Lester in the Council office will stay with me always. Willing workers, all. RIP, Mr. Banks. Sing and dance!

To the Banks Family
You have my sincere condolence in your loss. There is no one who can say that they have known Roger longer than me. Our friendship has ranged from the times we used to toddle between our family houses in Albuquerque through our times together at the University of New Mexico and at subsequent meetings in later years. It was a friendship I have always cherished. He will be deeply missed by us all.

Mr. Banks forever thoughtful and inciteful and intelligent. With a heart and humanity that I will always remember and cherish in all I do. My life is better for having known and worked with this great man. God must have needed a champion for people! With much respect and solemnity for your family. Phillip Gray (Minneapolis, MN)

Dear Roger. I am sorry you left before I could say farewll. You were a genuine person on earth. In this next phase of your transition, I know you will be a greater force in heaven. Thank you for your friendship and support.

Logan your Dad was a first class human being. The world has lost a good person. I know he rests in peace.

Dear Banks Family,
Roger was a very gentle and gracious spirit who tirelessly and with profound conviction steadfastly worked to right the wrongs of society. I am a better person for having had the opportunity to work with him. May he rest in eternal peace. He will be greatly missed.

I will miss him greatly. Roger's intelligent, sense of humor, and dedication to the community will be greatly missed