Rachel Green Makes Service Her Calling in NJ, Deptford
Rachel Green, of Action Together New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Rachel Green
By Clyde Hughes | AC JosepH Media
DEPTFORD TOWNSHIP – Rachel Green’s mother did not finish high school, but the civil rights director for the nonprofit Action Together New Jersey credited her with being her biggest inspiration.
Now as she works to earn her doctorate and become Dr. Rachel Green, the history-making former Deptford Township Board of Education member said her mother’s lessons remain with her today as she strives to inspire other women.
“I have been blessed to have had many women inspirations in my life,” Green told Front Runner New Jersey recently. “The one I would like to give the highest honor. Is my fearless mother who I lost this year on Feb. 8. My mother did not have the opportunity to graduate high school but instilled the importance of education, hard work and giving back.
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“In five years, I look forward to Dr. Rachel C. Green utilizing my studies to enrich the lives of women and my community. My future Foundation Greenland will be a state of the art foundation to service the forgotten community,” Green said, who added that she is also enjoying her family and “being the best grandmother ever.”
Becoming a ‘First’
Green, a 1987 graduate of Deptford Township High School, served on its board of education from 2008-14 and again in 2017, becoming the first African-American woman ever to serve as president on the body.
While on the board, she also served as vice president, chair of personnel, finance, curriculum committees and was the board’s liaison to Light the Stadium committee.
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“I was and am truly honored and humbled by the experience,” Green said about her time on the board. “To be asked to lead and the first of my culture to be appointed to do so. The magnitude of the moment was not lost upon me. African-American women’s history has been full of pioneers: Women who fought for their rights, worked hard to be treated equally and made great strides in many genres.
“I was honored to continue that tradition as an example for my daughter. There was those who were not ready for an AAW in the leadership role. But my faith, upbringing and culture gave me the foundation to rise,” she continued.
Joining Action Together
Green has been part of Action Together New Jersey’s leadership team since 2017. The progressive nonprofit, one of the largest grassroots organizations in the state, functioning as a central command for statewide initiatives and legislative actions.
It also coordinates with like-minded groups to serve the public by educating the electorate, providing a platform for progressive candidates, advancing legislative proposals with elected officials, and working in concert with advocacy groups for human rights. It seeks to promote equality and progressive ideals and to secure a more inclusive, fair and equitable future for New Jersey and the nation.
Green said she hopes her work and causes helps inspire the young people coming behind her about the need of such interests.
Being a Role Model
“I take my position as a role model very seriously,” Green said. “For you have been called to leave a blueprint for the next generation. That is an honor I take to heart. To know when I leave this world. I have contributed and made it better for the next generation.”
Green, who earned her bachelor’s degree in business management and master’s in public administration, married her high school sweetheart Franklin Green, a professional photographer. The couple’s daughter, Alexandra, earned her bachelor’s in liberal arts and son Alston, is pursing a degree in law and justice. They are also Deptford graduates.
“Deptford is a wonderful diverse area to raise a family and build a life with my best friend my husband Frank,” Green said.
Example of Leadership and Service
Green’s leadership roles also include being a member of the Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholder’s Tolerance Project and Parks and Recreation committee.
Today, Green serves on the executive board of the Gloucester County NAACP and is the first vice president of the Gloucester County Federation of Democratic Women. She is also currently pursuing her doctoral degree in management in organizational leadership.
Green is a 2020 delegate candidate for Joe Biden’s presidential campaign, secretary of African American History Project of Woodbury and Surrounding areas, member of Gloucester County Minority Coalition, SNJ Black Political Caucus and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women-Southern New Jersey
She has won Gloucester County NAACP Image Award in the area of Education 2010, the SJ African American Chamber of Commerce President’s Award 2014, along with serving as president of Deptford Township High School Alumni Association, appointed Deptford Township Planning Board.
She worked as a Obama/Biden Deputy field director 2008 and a Obama/Biden election director 2012.
“Yes, [I would add] how truly proud and appreciative I am of my husband Franklin, daughter Alexandra and son Alston. They are my rock,” Green said.
In turn, Green’s mother would be proud as well.
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