Celebrating Black History Month: Meet Gavin Green

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hi! My name is Gavin Green, and I am a rower from Galloway, New Jersey. I began rowing at Dock Holland Boathouse when I was 12 years old, and I've loved the sport ever since. I rowed in high school at St. Augustine Preparatory School in New Jersey and then St. Andrew's School in Delaware, where I was later recruited to row at Brown University. I'm currently a sophomore on the men's rowing team, studying economics and American history, and hoping to pursue a career in law.

What is your favorite quote, and why?

My mom has always been my biggest supporter in everything I do. When I was younger, we would pray every night, and she would say at the end, "And may the lord continue to enlarge your territory." At the time, I wasn't sure what she meant, but I realized as I got older that she wanted me to achieve everything I set my mind to. She did not want me to be scared about what might happen, but instead be confident enough in myself to pursue whatever I wanted in life. Her saying this carried me through many tough times – on and off the water.

What impact has rowing made on your life?

Rowing has been in my life for so long that I feel like it has partially made me the person I am today. It has made me value hard work and the process it takes to achieve my goals, because, as every rower knows, it is not an instant gratification sport. I've applied that to all aspects of life, and I've seen so much growth in myself since. It has disciplined me and taken me to so many places I wouldn't have thought possible, especially to Brown. I appreciate the doors it has opened, and I hope to go as far as I can in the sport.

What is the essence of you?

I think that most people who know me well would say that I am not easily embarrassed, that I try my best to be unapologetically myself. If I have an opinion on something, nine times out of ten, I'm going to voice it. My aunt told me when I was young that not everyone is going to like you, and that's okay, but that you shouldn't change yourself to fit in. I took that advice and ran with it, and I haven't looked back since.

How, if at all, does your identity play a role in shaping who you are and who you will continue to become?

In both elementary and middle school, I lived in a diverse neighborhood and went to diverse schools. But when I reached high school, I opted to go to a private school that had few students of color, and it was a culture shock at first. It made me investigate why better schools had fewer people of color – students and faculty alike – and it led me to deep dive into American history in general.

I became so interested that I decided to major in it. However, I don't just want to know the history of disadvantaged people; I also want to go into policy and change the way we run things. I feel as though I have been given the privilege to attend great schools, but it shouldn't be a privilege. Education should be a given for everyone.

What is something about you or your culture you wish more people understood?

The main thing I wish more people understood about Black culture is that it is okay to do your own research. It is okay to see something you appreciate, and learn about it. Learning the history behind certain practices may help people understand why they are meant to be appreciated, not adopted.

The Black History Month 2024 theme is African Americans and the Arts. How do you feel rowing exists as an art form?

Like any great piece of art, rowing takes hours of practicing your craft to attain the results you want. I think any artist would appreciate the skill, precision, and grace it takes to move a boat efficiently. Also, I think simply watching people row at a high level is very cool; it's like watching art in motion.

Browse the official USRowing Black History Month Resource Guide here