A Black student will lead Yale’s student body for the first time in the university's 318-year history.

Kahlil Greene was elected president of the Yale College Council last month, reports Yale Daily News. He ran unopposed with running mate Grace Kang. The Yale junior is ready to put in work for the student body and the historical significance of his victory isn’t lost on him.

“As the first Black president, it is important for me to symbolize the progress that this university has made over the years, and the journey we still have ahead of us,” he told Yale Daily News.  


During his interview with Fox5, Greene wore Yale's Kente sweatshirt which is representative of Yale's past and current Black student body. 

“Yale should continue working to become a more diverse and representative place. I’m grateful for the role that I will have in making that happen!”

Greene ran with the intention of completing four goals: fostering a bond between Yale and New Haven locals, promoting equity and diversity on campus, finding a way for Yale to cater to students’ needs and better facilities and academic materials.

Before he was elected president, he was the council’s finance director and believes that experience will aid him during his presidency.

“My role as the finance director has allowed me to have a variety of experience that no one else has,” he said in his candidate profile. “I know how to operate the system and I want to help the YCC’s initiatives to grow and expand.”