Without You We Would Not Be Possible

     On February 1, 1960, four students from the Agricultural and Technical College of North Carolina (Now known as North Carolina A&T State University) sparked a movement for civil rights. The four university freshmen -- Joseph McNeil, Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair, Jr. (later known as Jibreel Khazan), and David Richmond – “sat in” at a white’s only section at the lunch counter at Woolworth’s in Greensboro, North Carolina.  While this was not the first “sit in” protest the media coverage at the time sparked an interest and four days later hundreds of people took part in the protest. 

      Consequently, SNCC, the student nonviolent coordinating committee, started at Shaw University (in Raleigh, NC) orchestrated sit-in movements across the country.   This momentum, combined with protests, such as Rosa Park’s refusal to move to the back of the bus in 1955, was utilized to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  The Civil Rights Act, which was actually grounded in the Commerce Clause (US Constitution), mandated desegregation in public accommodations and allowed for African-Americans access to unlimited possibilities.

      While we celebrate the first African-American President of the United States we also celebrate those before him.  Specifically, those individuals who were courageous enough to follow their heart and consistent enough to effectuate positive change.  To the Greensboro Four, thousands of college students and activists and politicians who made this possible I say thank you.  Happy Black History Month.

Without You We Would Not Be Possible