Civil rights leader Robert Green honored in East Lansing

Students from the newly-renamed Robert L. Green Elementary School march with Dr. Green and his wife Lettie up North Harrison Road in East Lansing, Friday, Sept. 24, 2021. Flanked by civil rights leaders, friends, and family, the parade marched toward 204 Bessamaur Drive where Green bought his first home. A historical marker dedication followed, honoring the civil rights activist who fought to purchase his former East Lansing home, now enshrined as a place that helped pave the way for the equal housing movement in East Lansing.

Martin Luther King, III smiles Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, during a dedication ceremony honoring Dr. Robert Green, a civil rights leader who helped launch a movement by MSU students to open housing in East Lansing to all people. King affectionatly referred to Green and his wife as "Uncle Bob and Aunt Lettie."

Ernest Green of Little Rock Nine speaks about friend and fellow-activist Dr. Robert Green, Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, during Dr. Green's historical marker dedication ceremony in East Lansing.

Students from the newly-renamed Robert L. Green Elementary School in East Lansing perform during the renaming celebration of the school, formerly Pinecrest Elementary, Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, in East Lansing.

Martin Luther King, III speaks Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, during a dedication ceremony honoring Dr. Robert Green, a civil rights leader who helped launch a movement by MSU students to open housing in East Lansing to all people. King affectionatly refers to Green and his wife as "Uncle Bob and Aunt Lettie."

Former MSU basketball player Steve Smith chats with Martin Luther King III, Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, outside the newly-named Robert Green Elementary School.

Dr. Robert L. Green, right, listens as speakers talk about his legacy, Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, during the historical marker dedication in East Lansing in Green's honor. Seated next to Green is Martin Luther King III.

From left. Dr. Robert L. Green, former MSU Athletic Director Clarence Underwood, and Lettie Green talk to a friend Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, during the historical marker and school dedication ceremony in East Lansing.

Michigan Sen. Curtis Hertel, Jr. speaks about Dr. Robert L. Green and his legacy, Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, during a historical marker dedication in Green's honor.

MSU President Samuel Stanley, Jr. addresses Dr. Robert Green Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, during the historical marker dedication in East Lansing.

The new historical marker honoring Dr. Robert Green in East Lansing.