In the 1960s, the Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-ins were pivotal protests in the Civil Rights Movement against racial segregation in public spaces. Beginning on February 1, 1960, in Greensboro, North Carolina, four African American college students—Ezell Blair Jr., David Richmond, Franklin McCain, and Joseph McNeil—sat at the "whites only" lunch counter at Woolworth's and refused to leave until they were served.
Their peaceful protest sparked a wave of sit-ins across the South, with students and activists challenging segregation laws in restaurants, department stores, and other establishments. The sit-ins garnered widespread media attention and public support, leading to increased pressure on businesses and government officials to desegregate public accommodations.
The Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-ins symbolized the power of nonviolent direct action in the struggle for civil rights and inspired future generations of activists to challenge injustice and inequality through peaceful protest. They played a significant role in dismantling segregation and advancing the cause of racial equality in America.
The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions.
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