Remembering Alice Green: Albany holds tribute to Dr. Green

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — It’s been just over one month since one of Albany’s strongest voices for racial and social justice passed away, Dr. Alice Green. While she may no longer be with us, community members in Albany are making sure her legacy is never forgotten.

The Center for Law and Justice held a tribute for Dr. Green Sunday evening at the Palace Theater. People remembered her as both a fierce advocate and gentle soul.

“Fierce, strong humble and giving,” said Ta-Sean Murdock, the director of operations for the Center for Law and Justice, when he was asked to describe Dr. Green. “When it came to what she believed in, which is equality and justice for everyone, she was a strong advocate, but on the other side what people should know is that she was very kind, willing to give her shirt of her back for those in the community.”

Many people Sunday said Dr. Green was, and still is, an inspiration throughout the capital region.

“Such a giant, although in a small package, she was amazing,” said Jill Faison, a Capital Region family attorney.

“Alice’s work to end incarceration was ahead of its time, and gave vital support to those working inside New York’s prisons,” said Mark Mishler, civil rights and criminal defense attorney.

She was an empowering, unapologetic voice for people of color and marginalized communities. Above all else, the crowds on Sunday evening remembered her as a constant advocate for civil rights.

“Dr Green would say that the struggle still continues and people of color, those who are marginalized, we’re not free until we’re seen as equal when we walk into different spaces and different rooms and so its important that we all join together in the fight,” said Murdock.

Community members of all ages gathered at the Palace Theater on Sunday to pay tribute to Dr. Green’s life. The goal was to unite the community, continue relaying Dr. Green’s messages and recall the lessons she taught.

“The biggest thing that I think I’ve learned from her is making sure that we stay in the fight and that the struggle isn’t over and that we have to continue this work to ensure that everyone is advocated for,” said Murdock.

The 84-year-old woman was known for re-imagining the criminal justice system. In a 2021 interview with NEWS10’s John Gray, Dr. Green described her vision.

“I can’t stand the thought of putting people behind bars. There’s something definitely wrong with that, and I cannot rest when I see that we’re still doing something that doesn’t make any sense to me, that’s not effective, but that enslaves people,” said Alice Green.

Alongside guest speakers, lyrical demonstrations, dances and songs, people hoped to both convey and continue Dr. Green’s legacy.

“I believe Alice will want there to be a call to action today, so we must commit to courageously speak truth to those in power, as Alice did,” said Mishler.

For more information on how to get involved in continuing Dr. Green’s legacy, visit the Center for Law and Justice’s website.