Ernest Green

Ernest Green, an esteemed member of the Little Rock Nine, was a pivotal figure in the racial integration of Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Not only was he part of this significant group, but he also was the first African-American to graduate from this institution in 1958. His impactful journey has been portrayed in two television movies, "Crisis at Central High" in 1981 and "The Ernest Green Story" in 1993. In 2019, his character was brought to life by DeRon Horton in "Drunk History: The Little Rock Nine Take on Segregation in Schools."

Green's commitment to education didn't stop with his high school graduation. He attended Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1962 and a Master's degree in sociology in 1964. His educational achievements and firsthand experience with the civil rights movement led him to serve as an Assistant Secretary of Labor during Jimmy Carter's administration from 1977 to 1981. He also held positions in the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. His professional journey continued at Lehman Brothers, where he worked as a Managing Director in the Washington, D.C. office's fixed income department, focusing on public finance.

Throughout his life, Green has been recognized for his dedication and contributions. In 1999, he and the other members of the Little Rock Nine were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President Bill Clinton. He also received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, a prestigious accolade awarded to fewer than 2000 men who earned Eagle as a Scout. Green continues to be a significant figure in civil rights history and activism. He is currently a board member at the Albert Shanker Institute and continues to make public appearances and interviews, sharing his experiences and insights with various institutions and events.