August 22nd, 2012 NAACP mourning the loss of civil rights icon Greene
Baltimore, MD - The NAACP mourns the passing of Sarah Moore Greene, a long time activist and former member of the NAACP National Board of Directors. She was 102.
“Sarah Moore Greene acted as Knoxville’s conscience for much of the twentieth century,” stated NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock. “When she joined the NAACP National Board of Directors she brought with her years of experience fighting injustice, and left an indelible mark on the Association. She will be missed by those who learned from her - her students, colleagues, family and friends.”
“Sarah Moore Greene was a brave and talented civil rights icon,” stated NAACP President Benjamin Todd Jealous. “Whether she was conducting a sit-in at a segregated restaurant, or sitting in the mayor’s office to negotiate fair treatment, Mrs. Greene was consistently effective and persistently active. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family and friends.”
Mrs. Greene, the daughter of a former slave, taught in Knoxville for years before becoming the first African American to serve on the Knoxville City School Board. She became a civil rights icon for her work leading sit-ins and fighting discrimination.
Mrs. Greene served on the National Board of Directors from 1972 to 1997. She also served as president of the Tennessee NAACP State Conference and secretary of the NAACP Knoxville Branch. |
