law.okcu.edulaw.okcu.edu/.../04/blsa-naming-release_final.docx · web viewgreen was the second...
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:April 2, 2013
CONTACT:Danielle Hamblin BLSA Community Service Chair Oklahoma City University School of Law Cell Phone: 732.789.3730 Email: [email protected]
Brook ArbeitmanDirector of Marketing and CommunicationOklahoma City University School of [email protected]
John E Green to be honored by Oklahoma City University School of Law's Black Law Student Association
(Oklahoma City – April 2, 2013) - Oklahoma City University School of Law’s Chapter of the Black Law Student Association (BLSA) will now be known as the John E. Green Black Law Student Association. The naming will help cement John E. Green’s legacy in Oklahoma City and to reflect the Black Law Student Association’s commitment to positively influence legal, social and political changes. John E. Green’s work and life exemplify these goals and it was with great consideration and careful deliberation that Green was chosen for this high honor.
John E. Green is an icon in Oklahoma Civil Rights. He advocated for equality in word and deed while successfully balancing the needs of the community with those of his family. Green was the second African-American to graduate from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar Association in 1957. Mr. Green has a long list of firsts including: the first African-American to serve in the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor, the first African-American to serve in the office of U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma and the first African-American to serve on the OBA Board of Governors. John E. Green has led an exemplary life, had an extraordinary career, and has provided great service to Oklahoma City. He spent the early part of his career fighting against segregation in Oklahoma City and has remained dedicated to fighting for racial equality. Mr. Green was a leader in the fight to desegregate Oklahoma City Public Schools as the lead attorney in the Dowell v. School Board of Oklahoma City Public Schools case, which led to integrated classrooms and equality of education for all students in the district, regardless of race.
John E. Green’s work also includes philanthropy. In 1970, Green and a small group of concerned African-Americans formed the Southwestern Urban Foundation, to assist organizations and individuals facing financial
hardship by providing grant funds. Millions in grants and other good works done by the organization have helped many in northeast Oklahoma City. Green participates in numerous other civil, social and charitable organizations. The members of the newly named John E. Green Black Law Student Association, faculty, alumni and other guests will honor Mr. Green on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. The naming celebration will take place at Oklahoma City University School of Law, 2501 N. Blackwelder, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, in the Homsey Family Moot Court Room.
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