SPIO’s Educators for Equity & Inclusion series highlights people making an impact on the lives of scholars.

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Michael Green’s dedication to equity and inclusion is undoubtedly connected to his diverse life experiences and his humble upbringing as a child in Desoto, Texas. Although Michael was born to two parents who did not pursue college, their expectation for him was always to be better and to reach higher, and as a result he attended and graduated from the illustrious North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, affectionately known as A&T.

A&T is considered a Historically Black College and University, located in Greensboro N.C., and it is here where Michael first deeply connected to his purpose in equity and inclusion. Although he initially majored in accounting, most of his time was spent working and volunteering in juvenile detention centers, group homes, and early middle college programs. These endeavors were informed by Michael’s desire to merge his love for kids and his dedication to fighting for the inclusion of underrepresented people. Following his tenure at A&T, Michael worked for a short time in the field of accounting, but ultimately found his true calling and returned home to begin working for the Texas Public School system.

Since this life-changing revelation Mr. Green has received his masters in special education and gained various experiences to include: 6​ grade math instructor, educational grant manager, non profit director, and motivational speaker. In 2008 Michael Co-founded Motivational Goals LLC, a mentoring and speaking firm that he credits for providing the opportunity for him to utilize his diversity in education to empower students and parents of all backgrounds.

Michael currently serves as the Dean of Culture and Instruction for Uplift Education, where he impacts teacher practices and influences the way schools provide culturally sound educational experiences for all students. In light of recent events he has also formed an alliance of African American educators, called Black Men For! The main objective of this group is to eliminate systematic racism in education once and for all! The creation of Black Men is a direct result of racial unrest in America and Michael’s belief that education can be one of the best catalysts for change.

What are your thoughts on equity and inclusion in education?

My answer is threefold, which is tied to one key understanding and my thoughts concerning what I believe is at hand when education is fulfilling its purpose.

The key understanding​ is that when we speak of equity, we recognize that it isn’t about changing outcomes, opportunities, or standards to meet a person's condition, but rather to create systems to either eliminate the condition or account for it adequately. With that in mind when I think of ​when education is fulfilling its purpose ​with respect to equity and inclusion it must start with the following:

• Education- We must always educate on current and past inequities and the effects they have on people. We must know what has been and what is, in order to keep a clear purpose for why the work exists.

• Systems- Because inclusion and equity should be a part of every crevice of education we must create systems that account and provide for inclusive and equitable practices. Those systems must be ongoing and examining the issues at all levels of depth.

• Accountability- finally as systems to protect and promote equity in education are implemented we must then have systems that hold entities and people accountable. Without accountability it makes things optional, and equity and inclusion is not optional.

Do you have any tips for scholars pursuing higher education?

1. Major in something that gives you purpose and something that you think you can be happy doing for the rest of your life.

2. Be financially smart, especially with financial aid.

3. Make memories that will last a lifetime. There is no other time in life that is quite like

   college.