Celebrating Black History: Hilton Paul Green, Jr.
Published 4:19 pm Saturday, February 22, 2020
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Where are you from? LaPlace, La
Tell us a little bit about yourself: I’m a 1986 graduate of East St. John High School and a United States Navy veteran served 2 years in Europe and participated in the Persian Gulf War as a Helicopter In-flight maintenance crewman specializing in Aviation Hydraulics and attached to Anti-Submarine Warfare Squadron (HS-9) Jacksonville Florida. I completed Aircraft Maintenance Technology at Delgado Community College in 1991 and I have been employed with FedEx for 26 years as a Senior Aircraft Maintenance Technician, FAA certified on Boeing 727 &757, MD 10/11, Airbus 300/600 Aircrafts. I’m a active male choir member at Rising Star Baptist Church in LaPlace, La. studying under the leadership of Pastor Donald August Sr. A member of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 3337 LaPlace, La. Previous St. John Parish Volunteer Fire Dept. Six years as a St. John Parish “Reserve” Deputy, Community Action Panel (Marathon) Black Pilots of America, Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) Owner of Green’s Aircraft Maintenance, LLC and Founder of Guys Achieving Goals Non-Profit Organization 501(c)3 in Laplace, La.
Who are some black role models you look up to, and why? Mr. Calvin G. Moret original Tuskegee Airman who was a part of our flying group New Orleans Golden Eagles, he broke the color barrier and became part of the first Black Aviators to fly in combat. Pastor Donald August, one of the first black people to integrate the St John Parish School system and a well respected Pastor among this community who truly leads by example. Mr. Carl Butler, attorney & owner of Butler Law Firm, LLC and Dr. Glenn March Ophthalmology/Neurosurgeon and Dr. Cabrini, March Ophthalmologists was the first Black Owned Vision Care Insurance Provider in the history of the United States. All of the above mentioned people have been dedicated to their vision and not allow the color of their skin dictate their career path while humbling themselves through their faith and spirituality.
What does Black History Month mean to you? Black History is 365 days for me because there is so much to reflect on from our ancestors who fought so diligently for us to enjoy the Freedom & Greatness of this Country. I recognize and respect the dedication of February as Black History month so all could observe our Black Pioneers accomplishments and learn from one another.
Why is it important to encourage diversity? It is very important to encourage diversity because our country, communities, schools, and workplaces increasingly consist of various ethnic and racial groups. Learning from one another is possible but first we must be acceptable to each other’s understandings in order to facilitate collaboration and cooperation. I often use singer Michael Jackson as an example of diversity through his music and how he was loved by the world, some nationalities could not speak English fluently but knew him through songs.
What changes would you like to see in the local community? The changes I would like to see in this community is more diversified Town Hall meetings, volunteering and mentoring programs with the local government, schools and churches. I would like our community to organize and promote more youth activities such as bowling, skating, larger theater and to fully engage in our local airport where we have so much diversity and knowledge within the aviation field where all ethnic and racial groups could increase their learning about each other’s cultural differences.