Ernest Green

Ernest Green holds a significant place in American history as a member of the Little Rock Nine, the group of African American students who became the first Black students to attend classes at Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas. Green and his peers entered Central High School under the protection of federal troops after state authorities attempted to block their entry, marking a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Green was the only senior among the nine students who integrated Central High that fall. Facing daily threats and abuse, Green and the other students were guarded throughout the school year by elements of the 101st Airborne Division. His actions under pressure established him as a symbol of the fight for civil rights and educational equality.

Green made history as the first of the Little Rock Nine, and the first African American, to graduate from Little Rock Central High School. Martin Luther King Jr. attended the graduation with the Green family. Following this milestone, Green attended Michigan State University on a full scholarship, earning a Bachelor of Arts in social science and a Master of Arts in sociology. His academic achievements laid the foundation for a career in public service and finance, focusing on social justice, education, and economic development.

Green advocated for equal employment laws with the A. Philip Randolph Education Fund, served as Assistant Secretary of Labor under President Jimmy Carter, and contributed to urban development as a managing director at Lehman Brothers, assisting cities such as Chicago, New York, and Atlanta. He has worked at Matrix Advisory, an institutional asset manager, serving as a partner and guiding the firm in public-private partnerships and municipal finance. Green was appointed chairman of the African Development Foundation and served as chairman of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Capital Financing Advisory Board.

Green serves on the board of directors of Fisk University, the Quality Education for Minorities Network, and the Clark Atlanta University Board of Trustees. He is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Executive Leadership Council. Among his honors, Green, along with other members of the Little Rock Nine and Daisy Bates, received the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP for outstanding achievements of African Americans. He was also presented with the Congressional Gold Medal for his bravery during the integration of Little Rock Central High School. The Little Rock Nine have been further recognized with a commemorative stamp by the United States Postal Service, and a one-dollar coin issued by the U.S. Mint commemorates the anniversary of the Little Rock Nine.

Green's story has inspired films, documentaries, and audiences across generations. He was portrayed by Calvin Levels in the CBS movie "Crisis at Central High" and by Morris Chestnut in the Disney Channel movie "The Ernest Green Story." Green is a frequent speaker and spokesperson, connecting with young people across the United States and sharing lessons of courage, perseverance, and civic responsibility. He continues to make public appearances and provide insights on civil rights, education, and leadership, serving as a testament to the impact of standing up for equality and justice.