Mississippi State University partners with the Greater Starkville Development Partnership in sponsoring a member of the “Little Rock Nine,” Ernest Green, to present “Lessons From Little Rock” in the Foster Ballroom of the Colvard Student Union at 2 p.m. Thursday.
On Sept. 25, 1957, Green was one of the first nine African-American students who integrated Little Rock Central High School in the Arkansas state capital. Green and the others successfully enrolled after former President Dwight Eisenhower ordered military safety for the students. Soon after Green became the first African-American to graduate from Central High, he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Michigan State University. 
Stephen Middleton, director of the African-American Studies program and member of the planning committee, said Green has been one of his heroes for as long as he can remember, something that makes Green’s presentation particularly special.
“Whenever I saw documentaries of the Civil Rights movement, the “Little Rock Nine,” and Ernest Green in particular, always stood out,” Middleton said. “As a young man, he was only maybe 17 years old when he and others helped de-segregate Little Rock High School. He was clearly thoughtful when he addressed the press, he was always poised and he always knew why. He felt that Little Rock High School would provide him with a better education, and he didn’t understand why merely because of the color of his skin that he didn’t have access to it. So, he and the ‘Little Rock Nine’ put their lives on the line to enter that institution,” he said.
Middleton said the “Little Rock Nine’s” bravery has resulted in the expanded education opportunities Americans enjoy in the United States today.
“Ernest Green and the “Little Rock Nine” show that African-Americans have transcended challenges. To be a part of a transcendent people in a transcendent generation is not just about them. It means that every immigrant that comes to this country and takes a look at the experiences of African-Americans will discover how transcendent the human spirit is and how it is possible in this place we call the USA,” Middleton said.
Donna Clevinger, director of MSU’s “…And the Rain Came to Mayfield” and member of the planning committee for Green’s presentation, said she is thrilled the university is able to host Green’s visit and listen to his story.
“He’s going to impact all of us with his life journey,” Clevinger said. “These stories will be able to go with us for a long time.”
Cedric Gathings, assistant director of the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, said Green’s tenacity and fortitude has made him a true trailblazer of the Civil Rights movement. 
“During an incredibly difficult time for African-Americans, he demonstrated the undeniable power of human strength,” Gathings said. “Through his sheer bravery and commitment to equality, he secured his place in history when he enrolled in Central High School’s student body. Students will benefit greatly from hearing stories of individuals like Green, who were integral to the success of the Civil Rights movement.”  
Gathings said the realities of deep-seated racism in America for the younger generation sometimes go unremembered.      
“Hearing stories from individuals like Green will remind students of the immense price that was paid for the current liberties we experience,” Gathings said.
The planning committee for Green’s event will include Middleton and his assistant Linda Miller, Gathings, Kyle Steward from the Office of External Affairs, Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President, Allison Pearson, Sid Salter, director of the Office of Public Affairs, Clevinger and Jennifer Gregory, the Greater Starkville Development Partnership chief executive officer.
Salter said he praises Middleton and his staff in the department of African American Studies and the job they have done in putting this event together. 
“This should be a must-see event for MSU faculty, staff and students. I think Mr. Green is a very important voice from the civil rights era in this nation,” Salter said.