Protest for Racial Equality

The 1960’s were bursting with numerous events throughout the country to terminate segregation within schools, restaurants, grocery stores and public restrooms. In the start of 1960, several college students investigated non-violent ways to protest racial segregation throughout the South. Four students, from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State College, found themselves sitting in Woolworth, a department store in Greensboro, North Carolina, non-violently objecting racial isolation. The sit-in that took place on February 1st, 1960 in Greensboro, North Carolina led to sit-ins across the South and increased desegregation within public places throughout the state and surrounding places.

Before the 1960’s racial segregation remained throughout the country, from restaurants to libraries. “Blacks Only” and “Whites Only” signs were posted all over towns, separating the two races. African Americans were required to sit in the back of buses, they were required to drink from two different water fountains and the children of the black nationality received a different education. The treatment they received within all aspects of life was distressing. Within the coming years many names became well-known for standing up for their rights as African Americans.

In 1960, the four African American students-- Ezell Blair Jr., David Richmond, Franklin McCain and Joseph McNeil-- had the valor to stand up against white supremacy. They planned out their non-violent protest cautiously and gained support from a white businessman, Ralph Johns. When the four entered the local business they knew their service would be denied. The store’s policy was to refuse service to anyone but whites; however, when they were refused service they declined to give up their seats at the counter. When the police arrived to the scene they were unable to act due to the lack of violent protest and uproar. “Sometimes they would be pelted with food or ketchup. Angry onlookers tried to provoke fights that never came.” (Sit-In) The protestors experienced physical and verbal abuse; however, they did not stop. The group remained in their seats until the store closed that evening. The following day the group that became known as the “Greensboro Four” arrived with more college students. Within the coming days, the number of non-violet protestors grew by number. By February 5th, 1960 the group increased to over 300 people. The media quickly gained knowledge of the occurrences, and news teams began arriving on the scene. The heavy exposure of the sit-in throughout the mass media led to a widespread movement. (Greensboro)

The Greensboro Sit-In led to numerous sit-ins established throughout the state and neighboring states. By the month of March, the movement, which began in one city, made its way to 55 cities in 13 states. The small group of four students eventually reached 70,000 protesters objecting for equal rights within public places. As the movement evolved a committee was established, the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee. “[T]heir work encouraged and assisted in registering over 17,000 blacks to vote.” (Greensboro) They were able to help others through the process of voting and demonstrated ways to fight for their freedom as African Americans. The Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee organized the “Freedom Rides” as well as the “March on Washington”, which took place on August 28, 1963. There efforts advanced the Civil Rights Movement. With all the media attention by the summer of that year, numerous facilities were getting rid of segregation policies, such as the Woolworth Department Store where it all had begun. (Sit-In)

The courage of four young people led to an increase in equality for the black ethnic group. It is the year 2016, the white and black nationalities can sit at the same lunch counter, worship together on Sundays, drink from the same water sources, go to recreation areas not separated by color and receive an equal education. It the past 53 years the African Americans’ race for equality has reached the finish line, all because of the actions of brave African Americans in the early 1960’s.

Works Cited

"The Sit-In Movement". U.S. History.org n.d. web. 1 October 2016. ushistory.org.

"Greensboro Lunch Counter Sit-In". Library of Congress. 9 December 1998. Web. 19 October 2016. www.loc.gov.

http://www.blackculinaryhistory.com/culinary-protest/