A beloved educator and civil rights advocate in the Hempstead community led the 134th annual Homecoming Parade as grand marshal.

Diane Green, who taught at Hempstead schools for 50 years, came from humble beginnings. Despite facing discrimination growing up in the segregated south, she never allowed it to discourage her dream of becoming a teacher.

“I had my eye on the prize,” she said.

As a civil rights pioneer, Green led fellow students in efforts to desegregate the high school in her hometown of Goodwater, Alabama.

She went on to graduate from Hofstra University and taught at several schools in the Hempstead Union Free School District.

Throughout her five decades-long teaching career, she made a difference in the lives of 1,300 students.

“During the time, I was Black female and teaching African American children, so I think I brought a kind of perspective to them that they could relate to,” she said. “I've shown them that you can come from humble beginnings and that you can make it.”

Many of her former students attended the celebration to express their gratitude.

“She teaches from the heart. She's an awesome person,” said Tyreke Green, of Hempstead

“I really feel excited and honored and humbled,” said Green. “I love the fact that I'm adding to my community. The children I teach are in Hempstead, and by teaching them, I'm helping to build a community.”

Although she retired in June, she says her students will always be in her heart.

“You guys know I love you. I'm rooting for you and like I say – live long and prosper,” she said.