You’ve probably heard of The Three Musketeers, Robin Hood’s Merry Men, and other groups of people, real or imaginary, we tend to look up to. But have you heard of The Greensboro Four?
In 1954, the Supreme Court decision in Brown vs. Board of Education dealt a significant legal blow to the practice of school segregation. Despite this ruling, this type of systemic racism continued in many places in the South, including private businesses.
But in 1960, on the first day of February, four technical college students set out to change that when they took a seat at Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro. This lunch counter served only whites. But all four of these students were black. And this started a movement.
Crowds of angry white men would curse at them, spit on them, and throw eggs at everyone who participated in the sit-in. But that didn’t stop them. In fact, within one month, the movement had spread to 55 cities and 13 states. And the result? By that summer, many of the segregated diners had integrated.
And when Woolworth’s finally integrated, four black employees who had never eaten at their own restaurant were the first to be served. Talk about a worthy cause and a successful, peaceful, beautiful movement!
So, on this first day of Black History Month, let’s celebrate the bravery and fortitude of Ezell Blair Jr., David Richmond, Franklin McCain, and Joseph McNeil, The Greensboro Four. And may we continue to address and overcome racism and bigotry wherever it raises its ugly head.
