Tribute to Chiquita Greene: Educator, trailblazer, servant leader
By Patricia Jackson, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
SYLVESTER — On behalf of President Yolanda Fields, it is with deep love and heartfelt remembrance that the Albany Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. honors the life and legacy of Chiquita Michele Greene, who passed on April 6.
Chiquita was a devoted daughter of Arthur L. and Earnestine Greene of Sylvester. She was indeed a beacon of scholarship, sisterhood, and service.
A 1995 graduate of Worth County High School, Chiquita made history as the first African American member of the school's dance team. She went on to become a double alumnae and lifetime member of Albany State University's Alumni Association. She earned a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and later pursued advanced degrees in education and leadership from Wheelock College, Walden University, Georgia Southern and Northcentral University.
As a Dougherty County School System educator, Chiquita served with excellence at Martin Luther King Elementary School, Albany Early College and Westover High School. At Westover, she was named 2018–2019 Teacher of the Year and a finalist for DCSS Teacher of the Year. Over her career in Dougherty, Savannah-Chatham, and Glynn counties, she held many leadership roles: English Department chair, school improvement specialist, sixth-grade specialist, teacher support specialist, graduation coach, academic coach and instructional coach. She was also a Black History Quiz Bowl Team advisor.
During her tenure, the Albany Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta was honored as a 2021–2022 Red Ribbon Chapter. Her leadership also saw the issuance of a mayoral proclamation recognizing Albany native and Delta Sigma Theta co-founder Osceola Macarthy Adams. Additionally, the chapter experienced growth through reclamation efforts, and the petition for a historical marker in honor of Adams is currently underway. She also served as co-advisor to the collegiate chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Delta Rho, located on the campus of Albany State University.
Chiquita's service has included:
• President, Albany Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.;
• Charter member and vice president, Albany Flint River Area Section of the National Council of Negro Women;
• President, Sylvester-Worth Chapter, ASU Alumni Association;
• Board member-at-large, ASU National Alumni Association;
• Vice president, Worth County Rams Alumni Reunion Inc.;
• Co-chair of fundraising, Ma Flora's Helping Hands;
• Secretary, Marching Rams Show Band National Alumni Association;
• Worthy Matron, Pride of Sylvester No. 477, O.E.S.;
• Advisor, Royal Dolls flag line;
• Advisor, Tau Beta Sigma Band Sorority;
• Advisor, Delta Rho chapter;
• Secretary, Marching Rams Show Band National Alumni Association;
• Member, Worth County NAACP.
She was also the recipient of many honors, including:
• 2021 Trellis Cuffie Volunteer Award;
• 2021 Multicultural Award, GA Council of Teachers of English;
• 2021 Distinguished Delta Award;
• Albany Herald's 40 Under 40;
• Albany State University's 50 Under 50;
• 2017 Albany State University 'A Future to Fulfill' Award;
• Leadership Academy for Women of Small-town America – Class of 2016;
• 2007 Caring Person in the Community, Brunswick;
• 2016 DCSS Leadership Academy selectee.
In honor of her enduring legacy, Westover High School Principal William Chunn posthumously awarded Greene the prestigious Patriot Award for her exemplary service and commitment to the school. Additionally, Congressman Sanford Bishop is expected to issue a formal Congressional Record — the highest recognition a member of Congress can bestow — once Congress reconvenes later this month.
Chiquita, whose personal motto was 'Give a good day on purpose,' was deeply passionate about reading, teaching flag and dance, and spending treasured moments with those she loved. She was a teacher, a leader, a mentor, and a friend, an extraordinary woman whose light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.
May her memory continue to inspire. May her legacy continue to lead.
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