Member of the Little Rock Nine who, in 1957, became one of the first African-American students to attend Arkansas' Little Rock Central High School. In 1958, he became the first African-American graduate of the school.
After graduating from Little Rock Central High, he earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Michigan State University.
During the presidential administration of Jimmy Carter, Green held the office of Assistant Secretary of Labor.
With his wife Phyllis, he raised three children: MacKenzie, Adam, and Jessica.
United States President Bill Clinton presented Green and his fellow Little Rock Nine members with the 1999 Congressional Gold Medal.