Larry V. Green: Friend, Mentor, and Leader for All

Green was a friend to many, a mentor to some, and a leader for all. His roots were firmly planted in the bayou city as a Houston native. A product of Houston ISD schools, he matriculated at William P. Hobby Elementary, Dick Dowling Middle, and James Madison High. It was in those early years at Hobby that he met a lifelong friend in Houston Style Magazine publisher Francis Page, Jr. Remembering Green fondly Page said that they first bonded over their love for bikes and the friendship grew from there.

From schoolboy times to being the big man on campus, Green would further his education at the University of Houston and Texas Southern University's Thurgood Marshall School of Law. As he discovered who he was as a man, his natural leadership skills emerged in the classroom, student government, and through organizations like the brotherhood of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Fellow law school classmate Susan Bynam recalled how people were naturally drawn to him and that he was a born leader. "He was sharp. He was a bright student. He just had a very infectious personality. He was the type of student that never met a stranger." Bynam added that Green was a true advocate for things he believed in.

That strong belief system and fight for the right made him an excellent attorney. As he built his career, he forged influential relationships with people like that of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee whose mentorship undoubtedly guided him to the political arena. Before he stepped into that platform, however, he would practice law privately for 21 years and help raise funds for a financially strapped HoustonWorks as its CEO.

The need to help the plight of his fellow man drew him to public service. In 2012, he made history as the first to lead the newly formed District K serving those from the edge of the Texas Medical Center to the portion of Houston within Fort Bend County. In this role is where he would really leave his mark on the city he loved so much.

With a clear understanding of the needs of residents of District K, Green knew a major issue was the lack of economic development in the area. During his first term as a councilman, he was able to infuse over 20 million dollars in the underserved area for street construction and repair, neighborhood police station, senior resident center and other projects. He increased the participation of MWBE/SBE and gave women-owned businesses back their seat in the city's affirmative action contracting program. Unique programs like Klean It Up/Green It Up and mini murals painted on traffic control electrical boxes took sights that were once eyesores and made them beautiful area attractions. His work was not just limited to the Houston. He led a delegation to Cuba for an educational excursion to learn of opportunities to better Houston. Most recently because of his advocacy in Washington, DC Houston won a $9.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to improve 40 flood-prone traffic intersections with new technology that alerts drivers when high water is present.

As much as he loved advocating for citizens, he had a special place for mentoring the next generation. His life had been directed by a number of gentle hands pushing him in the right direction, he felt compelled to do that for any youth that he came across. One who was a beneficiary of that influence was John Guess. He was fortunate enough to have had many conversations with Green on educational decisions and what career path to take. Green mentored him in the fraternity to make him an outstanding brother. All of his interactions with Green had been straightforward so he had to come to think the politician was a real stick in the mud until one fateful night at a Houston Rockets game that he attended with fellow fraternity brother and former Houston Controller Ronald C. Green. "It was the first time I met homeboy Larry," laughed Guess as he spoke about the 30 minute conversation the trio had about hip-hop and watching Green rap to Lil Wayne. Guess said his mind was blown and the dynamics of their relationship took on a new meaning. Something that he took for granted then but is appreciative of today because it was interactions like that with Green's personality that made him so relatable to all people of different ages and backgrounds.

Though he was on year six as a councilman his work for Houston and District K was far from over. The greatest way to honor Green's legacy is to continue his unfinished work. "Council Member Green was a caring visionary. He was a champion for the constituents of District K. His passion and dedication to improving our community was contagious. He laid an amazing foundation for this district and we will continue the great work he started. We will all miss this stellar public servant," said Martha Castex-Tatum, Director of Constituent Services for District K and Green's right hand. A special election will happen on May 5 to fill Green's District K seat.

Larry Vincent Green's death has shaken Houston. It also has awakened us to, of course, not take life or anyone for granted but to also not waste any opportunity and live life as boldly and loudly as we can adding sparks of color along the way.

A jazz visitation reception has been planned to celebrate the life of Houston City Councilman Larry V. Green on Sunday, March 11th from 4-6pm at Sugar Land Mortuary. His homegoing service will be held the following day, Monday, March 12th, at his home church, Brentwood Baptist Church, with the viewing of the body from 8:30-10am, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Omega Service from 10am-10: 45 am, and funeral service at 11:30 am.