Ernest Green was a student in Central High School, Little Rock, Ark., when the historic civil rights movement began to gather momentum. Being involved in the “Little Rock Nine” movement, he used civil disobedience to integrate his segregated high school during a period of racism and discrimination. Green will discuss how the event changed his life – and the country – during a presentation he will give March 20 at 6 p.m. in the Casino Auditorium of Georgian Court University, Lakewood.

Green was one of nine black students, later known as the “Little Rock Nine,” to integrate Central High School following the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, the civil rights case that declared segregation illegal. His parents instilled in him confidence and self-respect, which helped him to become a leader among his peers and a civil rights advocate. He went on to receive a bachelor of science degree in social science and a master of arts degree in sociology from Michigan State University. He also received honorary doctorates from MSU, Tougaloo College and Central State University.

During his career, Green was one of nine students to receive the Congressional Gold Medal from President Bill Clinton in 1999 for outstanding bravery during the integration of Little Rock Central High School in 1957. In 2005, they were honored with a commemorative stamp by the U.S. Postal Service. In 2007, President George W. Bush authorized the U.S. Mint to issue a one-dollar coin commemorating the 50th anniversary of the “Little Rock Nine.” Over the years, several books, movies and documentaries have been produced chronicling Green and his classmates’ historic year at Central High School including Disney’s The Ernest Green Story (1993).

Green’s talk is free and open to the public. Tickets must be reserved in advance online; tickets will not be issued at the door. To reserve a ticket, visit https://georgian.edu/events/.