Ernest Green

Ernest Green
John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	Ernest Green
Birth date	September 22, 1941
Birth place	Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
Occupation	Civil rights activist

Ernest Green

Ernest Green is a prominent figure in the US Civil Rights Movement, known for being one of the Little Rock Nine, a group of African American students who desegregated Little Rock Central High School in 1957. His bravery and determination in the face of adversity have made him an iconic symbol of the struggle for racial equality and social justice. Green's experiences and achievements have been recognized and celebrated by civil rights leaders and organizations, including Martin Luther King Jr. and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

● Early Life and Education

Ernest Green was born on September 22, 1941, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Lothaire Green and Ernestine Green. He grew up in a segregated community, where African Americans faced significant barriers to education and employment. Despite these challenges, Green's parents encouraged his academic pursuits, and he attended Dunbar Junior High School and later Horace Mann High School. Green's interest in civil rights was sparked by the Brown v. Board of Education decision, which declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional. He was also influenced by Thurgood Marshall, a prominent civil rights lawyer who argued the Brown v. Board of Education case before the US Supreme Court.

● The Little Rock Nine

In 1957, Ernest Green was one of nine African American students who volunteered to integrate Little Rock Central High School, a previously all-white institution. The group, known as the Little Rock Nine, included Melba Pattillo, Elizabeth Eckford, Jefferson Thomas, Gloria Ray, Carlotta Walls, Terrence Roberts, Minnijean Brown, and Thelma Mothershed. The students faced intense racism and hostility from white students, parents, and community members, who opposed desegregation. The Little Rock Nine were supported by civil rights organizations, including the NAACP and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

● Desegregation of Little Rock Central High

School The desegregation of Little Rock Central High School was a pivotal moment in the US Civil Rights Movement. On September 4, 1957, the Little Rock Nine attempted to enter the school, but were blocked by the Arkansas National Guard, which had been deployed by Governor Orval Faubus to prevent desegregation. The students were eventually escorted into the school by US Army troops, who were sent by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to enforce the US Supreme Court's decision. Green and the other students faced ongoing harassment and intimidation throughout the school year, but persevered and continued to attend classes. The desegregation of Little Rock Central High School was a significant victory for the civil rights movement, and paved the way for further desegregation efforts across the United States.

● Career and Later Life

After graduating from Little Rock Central High School in 1958, Ernest Green attended Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in sociology. He later earned a master's degree in urban planning from Michigan State University. Green worked as a civil rights activist and community organizer, and was involved in various social justice initiatives, including the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). He also worked for the US Department of Labor and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Green has been recognized for his contributions to the civil rights movement by universities and organizations across the United States, including Harvard University and the National Civil Rights Museum.

● Legacy and Impact on

the Civil Rights Movement Ernest Green's legacy as a civil rights activist and educator continues to inspire new generations of social justice advocates. His bravery and determination in the face of racism and adversity have made him an iconic figure in the US Civil Rights Movement. Green's experiences and achievements have been recognized and celebrated by civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. He has also been honored by universities and organizations across the United States, including Michigan State University and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Green's story has been featured in various books, films, and documentaries, including "The Little Rock Nine" and "Ernest Green: The Little Rock Nine and the Struggle for Racial Equality".

● Awards and Recognition

Ernest Green has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the civil rights movement. In 1999, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor awarded by the US Congress. Green has also received the National Medal of Arts, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP. He has been recognized by universities and organizations across the United States, including Harvard University, Yale University, and the National Civil Rights Museum. Green's legacy continues to inspire new generations of social justice advocates, and his contributions to the US Civil Rights Movement remain an important part of American history.