Kahlil Greene, a rising junior at Yale, made history this past month when he became the first black student to be elected student body president.

The Maryland native campaigned on a four-part policy plan, which included, fostering a safer, healthier and more equitable campus culture. He said he felt compelled to run to “amplify the voices of the underserved communities on campus.”

“Especially students of color,” he continued. “So being the first black president, I feel like I’m in the position where I can really do that.”

His election, he added “symbolizes the progress the university has made over the years,” but also adds that there’s still much to be done.

“I think that we can be a more diverse and inclusive campus and I’m grateful for the role that I’ll have in making that happen,” Greene added.

Greene also paid homage to black influential figures who have made history at Yale during his interview with Fox 5 news station. He mentioned Edward Bouchet, who is recognized as the first African American to earn a Ph.D. at any American university when he received his doctorate in physics at Yale in 1876.