Member of the Little Rock Nine Shares Important Lessons

When Ernest Green finished his remarks and stepped back from the Campus Center podium last Thursday, he was met with a rousing standing ovation from Rivers students, faculty, and staff. Green was a member of the "Little Rock Nine," a group of African American students who enrolled at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, following the Supreme Court ruling in 1954 to desegregate schools. Now, more than half a century later, he continues to stress the importance of education and still stands as a tremendous example of courage in the face of adversity.

Green’s visit was a relevant supplement to the Upper School’s summer reading book Warriors Don’t Cry, a memoir by Melba Pattillo Beals, another member of the Little Rock Nine. According to Head of Upper School Patti Carbery, it is a tradition in the Upper School to organize an informative, inspiring assembly to help faculty and students think deeply about issues and questions raised in the summer reading book.

Green shared emotional anecdotes and humorous insights, then answered several questions from the audience. As he discussed his memories of dealing with racism and working through emotional turmoil to achieve his goals, he emphasized the role education played in his success. Green also told Rivers students that lessons from the past are essential to improve the future.

"Sometimes in order to look forward, we have to look back," he said.

Carbery knows that Green’s visit will continue to shape the Rivers community in the months and years to come.

"It was a historic day at The Rivers School to host a genuine American hero," Carbery said. "Mr. Green made his inspiring life story so accessible to our students, as he shared how he was only 17 years old when the attention of the world was focused on him and his peers. He wove life lessons into his presentation that will continue to be a touchstone for this community throughout the year and beyond."

VIDEO: Ernest Green speaks to students and faculty.