Most North Carolinians (outside of Greensboro) probably aren’t aware that our state is home to an International Civil Rights Museum that marks the most important sit-ins in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. The movement began decades before the Greensboro sit-ins took place from February to July of 1960, but the Greensboro sit-ins were instrumental in spurring lasting changes.
They took place right here at 134 S Elm Street in Greensboro at the Woolworth store, now the site of the International Civil Rights Museum.
It was here that four African-American college students followed the lead of non-violence set forth by Martin Luther King, Jr. and staged their first sit-in at the counter of the five and dime store.
At dinner time on February 1, 1960, the four sat at the whites-only section of the L-shaped counter of the Woolworth store and ordered a cup of coffee.
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This would launch their legacy, as the four were denied service and told to go to the other end of the counter if they wanted coffee.
The four remained on their stools until the store closed, even though they weren't served. They returned the next day and their number had increased to 20. Still no service. The next day, their number grew to 60. On the fourth day, 300 people; and on the fifth day, again more than 300 black students showed up as well as 50 white men in opposition.
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On the sixth day, more than 1,000 protestors filled the Woolworth store and someone phoned in a bomb threat.
Six weeks into the sit-ins, President Eisenhower voiced a concern for those fighting for their human rights that were guaranteed by the Constitution. Greensboro and The Greensboro Four had captured the attention of the entire nation.
After sales declined so much that employees had to take a reduction in pay, the manager of the Woolworth store gave in and asked four black employees to order food from the segregated counter. They were the first to be served in the newly desegregated lunch counter at Woolworths.
For visitors of any race, a trip to the International Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro is a moving experience.
Stand in front of the actual counter that fostered real change some 60 years ago and feel the energy that still lingers from the bravery of all those who took place in the protests.
The Center has 30,000 square feet, 13 galleries, and sees an average of 70,000 guests per year. It is a private, self-sustaining 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Have you visited the International Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro yet? What are you waiting for? The center is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Walk-ins are welcome. Docent-led tours are available, but should be scheduled in advance.
While you’re in Greensboro, pay a visit to this bog garden that’s like something from a story book, and then go have the best burger ever at Emma Key’s!
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