Sit-in Art: A Cup of Freedom

Charles Jenkins, a security officer at the Guilford County Courthouse drew a sketch that would become this bronze work of art, named by Jenkins, "A Cup of Freedom." In Jenkins' sculpture, the cup rim is the lunch counter with the Greensboro Four seated (McCain, McNeil, Richmond, and Blair, Jr.). The coffee cup may be small is size (under 20 inches square as per the requirements of the project) but it is LARGE in symbolism. This stunning bronze artwork is prominently featured on the southeast corner of the International Civil Rights Museum and Center at the corner of February 1 Place and Elm Street. You can either enjoy this piece as a prelude to your museum visit or afterwords once understanding the Sit-in Movement more fully. We suggest both.

"C" is for "cup" on ABC Wednesday!!!
 

Comments

[Andy]

Nice photo. F. W. Woolworth... that's a blast for the past.

[Hilda]

I'm glad you asked me to make sure to come by today. This is a beautiful cup! For the artistry, yes, but even more so because of what it stands for. I had to go back to read your two previous posts. I sometimes find it hard to wrap my mind around the idea of racial segregation. But when I witness instances of racial discrimination, then it becomes easy to imagine how it happened. I pray that someday, we will all become mature enough to realize that the color of ones skin, hair or eyes doesn't really mean anything. (Maybe except that some people, including me, get more sun than others.)

[tapirgal]

Sit-in goes mainstream. That's pretty interesting, and a nice object, too. Haveing come of age in that era, I can say I'll bet few people thought this would happen!

[Sylvia Kirkwood]

It is indeed beautiful for what it stands for. It is an era I will never forget and for several reasons. We haven't conquered discrimination, but we've moved a long way from where we were then! Marvelous post for the day.

Sylvia

[Jacob]

What a great piece! Very creative and as you say, powerfully symbolic!

[Chuck]

What a wonderful bronze! And I really like the street name "February 1 Place".

Keep it coming ....... and thanks for your comment yesterday on my blog -:)

[istanbuldailyphoto]

Great images. Congratulations.

[Barb]

That's really cute.
Also, On behalf of the ABC team, thanks for participating.

[Christine]

An interesting piece of artwork - and history.

[Jay]

Well, that's certainly interesting, and a very unusual work of art!

On behalf of the team, thanks for taking part in ABC Wednesday this week! :)

[Roger Green]

WOW. I remember the incident upon which the design was based, but never saw the memento before. WAY cool.

[Tumblewords]

Terrific! Terrific!