Resolution Recognizing 60th Anniversary of the Greensboro Four Sit-In

Butterfield and Adams introduce a resolution recognizing the significance of the Greensboro Four Sit-In of 1960

Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) and Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) introduced a resolution recognizing the significance of the Greensboro Four Sit-In of 1960.

The resolution recognizes the four students of Greensboro, North Carolina for their contribution to the civil rights movement and encourages all States to include this historical account in their educational curriculum.

“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.”

“Sixty years ago, four young, Black students from North Carolina A&T State University took their seats at a Whites-only lunch counter, changing the face of the segregated South forever. As a former Greensboro representative and alumna of NC A&T University, it is with great pride that I recognize the Greensboro Four for their courageous efforts in combating systemic, racial discrimination at their February 1, 1960 sit-in”, 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.”

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.

Read full resolution here and below.

(This post originally appeared on Representative G. K. Butterfield’s website)