Sit-in survivor challenges others

50 years later

By Brittney M. Black
Special to the NNPA from the
Howard University News Service

GREENSBORO (NNPA)— Fifty years ago, four North Carolina A&T students took a stand against segregation by sitting down at a F.W. Woolworth’s store counter. This simple act by four freshmen, now known as the “A&T Four,” inspired students in North Carolina—and around the country.

Last week, hundreds of people came back to Greensboro to the very place where it all began to honor the A&T Four and to commemorate the opening of the International Civil Rights Center and Museum on Feb. 1.

One of the four, Dr. Franklin E. McCain, looks at the museum opening as a challenge to himself and the next generation.

“The opening of the museum to me personally means a challenge,” McCain said, “because it reminds me of what happened on Feb. 1 and presents me with the question, ‘What have I done lately?’

“The museum is like a report card for me,” he explained. “I do a little self-introspection and give myself a grade. The grade I come back with is a C. I have to recognize that I cannot live on Feb. 1 for the rest of my life. I have to continue to do other great things. That’s what I have been doing.”

McCain and two survivors among the A&T Four attended a luncheon honoring sit-in activists on Jan. 29. The commemorative activities began with a town hall featuring leaders such as the Rev. Jesse Jackson; Julianne Malveaux, president of Bennett College; and Ben Chavis, one of the Wilmington 10.

This is part of the February 10, 2010 online edition of Frost Illustrated.

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