The Greensboro Four
“On February 1, 1960, four African American college students sat down at a lunch counter at Woolworth’s in Greensboro, North Carolina, and politely asked for service. Their request was refused. When asked to leave, they remained in their seats. Their passive resistance and peaceful sit-down demand helped ignite a youth-led movement to challenge racial inequality throughout the South.
In Greensboro, hundreds of students, civil rights organizations, churches, and members of the community joined in a six-month-long protest. Their commitment ultimately led to the desegregation of the F. W. Woolworth lunch counter on July 25, 1960.”
This past weekend I had the pleasure of hearing one of the original Woolworth protesters speak. General Joseph McNeil addressed college students and administrators from across the country at a conference and I was honored to be a part of it.
He was a breathing reminder that the accomplishments of this generation, my generation was not achieved by just our own merits but by the sacrifice, blood, tears, and LIVES of those before us who were selfless enough to risk everything to create opportunity.
Lets be thankful, grateful, and diligent in continuing to breaking down barriers. Most of all please continue to educate our children about the sacrifice made on our behalf, the humiliation endured, and the triumph achieved by those who came before us.
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