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Adams, Manning, Butterfield Lead Greensboro Four Resolution

February 1, 2021

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswomen Alma Adams (NC-12), Kathy Manning (NC-06), and Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) introduced a resolution recognizing the significance of the Greensboro Four Sit-In of 1960. The resolution recognizes the four students of North Carolina A&T State University for their contribution to the civil rights movement, and encourages all States to include this historical account in their educational curriculum.  

A copy of the resolution is available here.

“Sixty-one years ago, four young, Black students from North Carolina A&T State University took their seats at a Whites-only lunch counter and changed the face of the segregated South forever. As a forty year educator in Greensboro, as well as an alumna of NC A&T University, it is with great pride that I recognize the A&T Four for their courageous efforts in combating the blatant racism of the Jim Crow South at their February 1, 1960 sit-in, and all of the sit-ins that came later”, said Congresswoman Adams. “We, as a nation, have a responsibility to learn from our past and work diligently to carry on the legacy of these four men by ensuring equal rights for all people – regardless of race, color or creed.”

As the Representative from Greensboro, home of North Carolina A&T State University, I am proud to recognize the contributions of the A&T Four,” said Congresswoman Manning. “Their courage sparked a national civil rights movement that forever changed our nation. As we celebrate their legacy, we must learn from our past and fight for a future that ensures equal rights for all people.” 

“The four young college students known as the Greensboro Four blazed a trail that ignited a movement to challenge racial inequality in public facilities throughout the segregated South” said Congressman Butterfield. “It is imperative that we learn the lessons from the past and reaffirm that ethnic and racial diversity of our country enriches us as a nation. We are always stronger together, and we must never forget, in all things, to demand justice and equality for all.”

Background:

  • The Greensboro Four sit-in protest which took place on February 1, 1960.
  • The Greensboro sit-in was a civil rights protest that commenced when four young Black students staged a sit-in at the segregated lunch counter of F.W. Woolworth Department Store in Greensboro, North Carolina.
  • The Greensboro Four: Ezell Blair Jr., David Richmond, Franklin McCain and Joseph McNeil were students from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College, now known as North Carolina A&T State University.
  • Nationwide participation in this new movement included over 700,000 people, including students, clergymen and unified citizens both White and Black.
  • On July 26, 1960, the Woolworth Lunch Counter was finally integrated.
  • The Woolworth’s in downtown Greensboro was later reopened as the International Civil Rights Museum

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Issues:Education