We had the good fortune of connecting with Aaron Ross Green Sr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aaron Ross, what principle do you value most?
A commitment to uplifting the human condition is a principle that matters most to me. Understanding that we are all connected, and tethered with the will of positively enhancing humanity is the cornerstone of my social work practice. Being a good person, having respect and dignity and worth of individuals, groups, has a profound purpose wherever I go. That is how I was raised, and how I choose to raise my two sons. I strongly believe that our connection and relationships with one another is the foundation of how I am able to navigate environments, and my success as an entrepreneur. Do good, be kind, work hard, and do all you can to enhance the circumstances of those who are vulnerable, or in harms way. That is my philosophy, and the value I bring to the work that I do.

What should our readers know about your business?
Aaron Ross Green Sr., LLC is a company dedicated to elevating the antiracist footprint of organizations worldwide, by providing cultural inclusive social work consultation and training services. What set’s our company a part from others, is that ARGSr., LLC offers a complete suite of customizable and specialized support services for individual, group, community and agency — small, medium or large institutions. I am very proud that I have been able to work closely with grassroot organizations, government entities, and colleges/universities to help design, implement, and build upon their mission and vision of becoming antiracist practitioners and systems. I am a student of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s antiracist ideas and philosophies. Kendi is a dynamic scholar and educator, and his book “How to Be an Antiracist” truly inspired me to cultivate and curate the ideologies of disrupting the status quo of racist policies and practices within the context of social work practice. By educating and emphasizing the awareness of the harms inflicted on Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), I have leveraged by profession as a social worker, to help change the narrative of how we see each other. Starting my LLC, and branching out to work alongside some of the most influential agencies and organizations across the state of Colorado, Atlanta, Illinois, Washington State, Ohio, and others, has afforded me the opportunity to spread a message of hope, and change the narrative of social work; improving outcomes for BIPOC clients served by public and private support service organizations. Starting your own business is never easy. But I have a lot of role models that have pushed through and persevered. My father, my twin brother, and one of my best friends, Evan Simmons — who is the owner of Panoramic Pro Paint company. I have examples of what success looks like, and know that I can turn to them, and so many others, if i ever need advice or support. I want the world to know that my brand is all about uplifting the human condition; especially Black people. We are not invisible, we are a force to reckon with, and the success and wealth of this country and world, has much to do with the resiliency, and fortitude of Black people. Aaron Ross Green Sr., LLC is a brand that promotes social and racial equity and justice, and ensures that organizations that are committed to becoming antiracist, can utilize our services that are transparent, honest, real, and practical.

I published a book, entitled The Color Code: 10 Essential Antiracist Tools and Strategies for Social Work Practitioners; It is a how-to-guide on how to undo the harms of racism that negatively impacted Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC).

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First stop: Welton Street Cafe! A must for all things southern and Caribbean food in the heart of the historic Five Points neighborhood. Nocturne lounge and eatery, downtown Denver; and take a stop at the Blair Caldwell African American Research Library to take in the beauty and wealth of knowledge of Black history. Dairy Block is a urban complex for places to eat, drink, and enjoy the company of great friends.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family. My beautiful wife, and two sons, Aaron Jr. and Elijah. They deserve a tremendous amount of credit. I could not do an ounce of what I do, without their love, support, and blessing. As a husband and father, I recognize my purpose and responsibility; I do not take my role lightly, and with the partnership and unwavering dedication and encouragement from my wife, Traci, nothing would be possible. I truly am thankful for her; her strength, wisdom, and resiliency has taught me how to be a better human being. I also would like to shout out my twin brother – Adrian Michael. He has been a role model, brother, and a huge reason why I have been able to become who I am today. He is always sharing positive affirmations, and reminds me to keep grinding, and that whatever I want to do, I can. My sister Arianna, the business woman, model, actor, singer, you name it — she does it. She is always speaking positivity and checks-in on me to ensure I am doing what i am supposed to do — holds me accountable and I appreciate her for that. My tribe of siblings, Aliyah, Aminah, Lulu and Abraha, I am always reminded as one of the oldest siblings, they keep me humbled and appreciate the light they bring to this world. To my parents – Jeff Fard and Gabrielle Gautier, my parents molded all of us to be the best we can be. That no matter where we go in life, we have an obligation, a responsibility, and a calling to a always do the right thing, be good people, and stay humble. I am forever indebted to their support, sacrifice, and unconditional love. Not only have they both provided mentorship and guidance, but also a collective understanding that no matter the road I travel, they are proud of the decisions I have made, and have been proud of my accomplishments — not just of me, but all their children. My mother and father-in-law have been a huge part of my life. For many years, Barbara and Alonzo Butler took me in as their own son, provided insight, life advice, and an understanding that family takes care of each other. I am grateful for their trust and appreciate their personal and professional advice as I have traversed as a professional in my career. I owe so much to a lot of people and organizations — my fraternity brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Colorado State University – Fort Collins, The University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work; these spaces have helped develop and mold me as a human being. I have a support network that has supported my professional quest to serve families. Thank you to Dr. Jason Lester, Dr. Michele Hanna, Dr. Nita Mosby-Tyler, Susan Radealli, Karen Kindblade, Nadine Bridges, and so many others. Lastly but certainly not least, I have to shoutout my two beloved grandmothers – Joyce Green and Elizabeth Gautier. These women are the epitome of strong Black women. They are no longer with us in the flesh, but their spirit lives on through their children, grandchildren, and now great-great grandchildren.

Website: aaronrossgreen.com

Instagram: aarongreeni

Linkedin: Aaron R. Green Sr.

Twitter: ARGreen_Sr

Other: https://linktr.ee/aaronrgreensr

Image Credit:
the headshot and green family by @T5photography, Tommy Cowan

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