Ernest Green

A person who does things for the betterment of others is a Philanthropist. Someone who, without knowing someone, contributes for their well being. During this school semester we have been studying about a variety of African American Philanthropists. My favorite one is Ernest Green. An average student whose will to succeed in education overcame segregation and any other obstacle in his way. Ernest Green is my hero because of his courage, leadership, and success.

Recent picture of Ernest Green

I chose Ernest Green because he had enough courage to face his problems and not back down. Being the oldest African American male out of nine other African American students is very frightening. Especially when attending Central High School, an all white school. There were many negative comments, gestures, and accusations done to him by others. But this never stopped Ernest. He stood up to everything and everybody, along with the other eight students and made it through the school year. He studied and worked twice as hard as any other student, just to pass his classes due to mistreatment by his teachers, who on purpose tried to fail him. All these things mentioned proves the courage he had to confront those around him.

Another reason I chose Ernest was because he was a great leader and protector to his younger peers. Ernest was the only senior of the group and was the one the others came to for help. He stood up for them and stood by their side when things went wrong. He stood strong and determined to succeed causing the others to do the same. He also used non-violence to encourage others, as done by one of his heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He helped them believe in themselves and as the days, weeks, and months went by, soon enough the school year was over. Many of them with friends of their own already. Thus showing how much of an impact as a leader, Ernest had towards the other students.

Finally, the reason why Ernest Green is my hero is because of his success at Central High School. Despite all the racism, discrimination, and hatred towards him for being the only African American senior in the year 1957, Ernest Green graduated. He received his diploma like everyone else and finally felt as one of them. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, a personal hero of Ernest, was present at his graduation to congratulate him for all his hard work. After he graduated from Central High he attended Michigan State University. Here, he earned an undergraduate and graduate degree and received a B.A in 1962 and a M.A in 1964. Later, he became the assistant secretary in the labor department under President Jimmy Carter. Also receiving various awards including: NAACP Spingarn Award, Rockefeller Public Service Award and the honorary doctorates from Tougaloo College, Michigan State University, and Central State University. Finally concluding that in a society with restrictions, with dreams and perseverance anything is possible.

Ernest Green at Graduation

Ernest Green is my hero because he conquered his dreams of getting a better education regardless of what everyone else said. One of his quotes that I chose was: "I was the only black student in the 12th grade. Graduation felt like a tremendous accomplishment as anyone's high school graduation does." I picked this quote because he says what he feels. He was nervous about being the only colored graduate that year, but that wasn't going to stop him, especially after making it that far. This quote interprets how I feel about Hispanics today graduating. It feels like such an accomplishment that we want to do anything just to reach our goal and that is why Ernest Green is my hero