Alexander N. Green, better known as Al Green, has carved out a long and eventful career in American politics. Born on September 1, 1947, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Green was raised in a household that emphasized hard work and education. His parents, whose names are not widely documented, belonged to the working class—his mother was a maid, and his father worked as a mechanic’s helper. Their perseverance and sacrifices laid the foundation for Green’s future success. His early life in the segregated South shaped his worldview and political ideals, inspiring him to fight against racial and economic injustice.
Green’s educational journey was unconventional but remarkable. He attended Florida A&M University, Howard University, and Tuskegee Institute, though he never obtained an undergraduate degree. However, his passion for law and justice led him to enroll in the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1973. Even as a student, he distinguished himself, earning accolades in Federal Procedure and Conflicts.
Rep. Al Green’s Working-Class Parents: The Foundation of His Values and Advocacy as a Texas Congressman
Upon completing his legal education, Green wasted no time putting his knowledge to work. In 1974, he co-founded the law firm Green, Wilson, Dewberry, and Fitch, where he fought for civil rights and social justice. His commitment to the cause was further demonstrated when he became involved with the Houston branch of the NAACP. His leadership skills quickly propelled him to the presidency of the organization, a role he held for nearly a decade. Under his guidance, the NAACP branch experienced unprecedented growth, expanding its membership from a few hundred to thousands and acquiring property to serve as its headquarters.
Green’s political career took a major step forward in 1977 when he was appointed Justice of the Peace in Harris County, Texas. He held this position for an impressive 26 years, using his platform to address issues of housing discrimination, economic disparity, and minority rights. In 2004, when Texas underwent congressional redistricting, Green saw an opportunity to take his advocacy to the national stage. He entered the Democratic primary for the 9th Congressional District and won decisively, defeating incumbent Chris Bell by 35 percentage points. That November, he secured victory in the general election with 72% of the vote, officially beginning his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives on January 3, 2005.
As a congressman, Green has been a vocal advocate for marginalized communities, particularly on issues related to fair housing, economic equality, and civil rights. He has served on the Financial Services Committee and the Committee on Homeland Security, working tirelessly to introduce legislation aimed at protecting low-income and minority populations. In 2016, his Homes for Heroes Act, designed to provide housing assistance for homeless veterans, was passed as part of a larger housing reform bill.
Green’s congressional career has also been defined by his fierce opposition to President Donald Trump. In 2017, he became the first member of Congress to introduce articles of impeachment against Trump, citing obstruction of justice following the firing of FBI Director James Comey. He continued his impeachment efforts in 2019 and again in 2021, earning both praise and criticism for his unrelenting stance. His activism extended beyond impeachment—he has been arrested on multiple occasions while protesting issues ranging from voter suppression to foreign policy decisions.
In a dramatic moment in 2025, Green made national headlines when he was forcibly removed from the House Chamber during Trump’s address to Congress. Defying Democratic leadership’s request for decorum, Green stood up mid-speech, pointed his cane at the president, and loudly declared, “You have no mandate.” Speaker of the House Mike Johnson warned him twice before ordering the sergeant-at-arms to remove him. Outside the chamber, Green defended his actions, telling reporters, “It’s worth it to let people know that some of us are going to stand up.”
What Is Texas Congressman Rep. Al Green’s Ethnicity and Race?
Green’s personal and political identities are deeply intertwined with his race and ethnicity. As an African American, he has dedicated his life to dismantling systemic racism and advocating for Black and brown communities. His memberships in the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and the League of United Latin American Citizens reflect his commitment to multicultural representation. He has also been an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, women’s reproductive freedoms, and economic justice, often drawing parallels between historical injustices and modern-day discrimination.
Even after undergoing intestinal surgery in 2024, Green remained as active as ever in Congress. In February 2024, he briefly left his hospital stay to cast a critical vote against the impeachment of Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. His dedication to his work, even in the face of health challenges, underlines his reputation as a tenacious and fearless advocate.
Green’s legacy is one of unwavering commitment to justice, whether in the courtroom, the streets of Houston, or the halls of Congress. From his early days as a civil rights lawyer to his fiery confrontations with presidents, he has never shied away from a fight. He remains a defining voice in American politics—outspoken, unrelenting, and unafraid to challenge the status quo.
