"Just a Cup of Coffee"

February 1st, 1960 four students from Greensboro's North Carolina A&T University ushered in a movement of non-violent protests when they led the Greensboro Sit-Ins. The protest began with the actions of David Richmond, Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair, Jr (Jibreel Khazan), and Joseph McNeil. They insisted on sitting at the lunch counter in Woolworth's Department Store on Elm Street, even though they were African Americans. Getting a cup of coffee "to go" was not acceptable. Their brave act contributed significantly to the Civil Rights Movement and to reversing policies of racial segregation. The poster in the photo is a reference to this significant event. The young girl and her mentor were doing their civic duty and marching in the cold in Greensboro's recent Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Day Parade.  A piece of artwork, related to their poster, can be seen here. 

Over the years Greensboro, North Carolina has played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement. Last year, we opened the International Civil Rights Museum. Additionally, we have two historically-black institutions of higher education: NC A&T and Bennett College. Ensuring equal rights and equal opportunities is important to our city and, if you want to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement, Greensboro is a great place to start. See related posts here on Greensboro Daily Photo. See here the front of the statue at NCA&T dedicated to the February 1 Movement and here for a different view.

Listen to a short audio segment of "Lift Every Voice and Sing,"  a poem written James Weldon Johnson and put to music by his brother John. The song is often called the African-American National Anthem.

 

Comments

[Owen]

A historic moment.

[Jack]

Good coverage of this parade. I am curious about the slogan on the girl's tee shirt, about the Academy of Spoiled Kids.

[Greensboro Daily Photo]

Academy of spoiled kids is a child care center/after school program in Greensboro. They had GREAT representation in the parade!