Kathy Manning: “On February 1, 1960, four young Black North Carolina A&T State University students began a revolution with the simple…”

“On February 1, 1960, four young Black North Carolina A&T State University students began a revolution with the simple but fiercely significant act of sitting down. David Richmond, Jibreel Khazan, Joe McNeil, and Franklin McCain, ``The Greensboro Four,'' took their seats at the White-only lunch counter of the Woolworth Department Store in Greensboro, North Carolina. Despite being met with hostility and a store manager who refused them service, the Greensboro Four stayed seated at that counter, refusing to stand until the store closed. The next day they returned to the Woolworth Store with 25 more students, including Bennett Belles from the neighboring Bennett College, an all-female HBCU. Their movement spread to 55 cities in 13 States. Protest signs read: Support North Carolina Students, in demonstrations outside the South. By the end of 1960, 400 demonstrations had taken place across the country. By staying seated at that counter, those students inspired the Nation to stand up against the blatantly racist Jim Crow laws of that time. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to recognize the Greensboro Four and the courageous students who joined their protest, sparking a national movement for civil rights. Those students exhibited great bravery in the face of violence from counter protesters. All the while, they remained peaceful and undeterred. Their peaceful protest left a legacy that shaped the Civil Rights Movement.…”