Community Commemorates 65th Anniversary of Greensboro Sit-In

On February 1, 2025, Greensboro commemorated the 65th anniversary of the Woolworth sit-ins led by four North Carolina A&T students—Joseph McNeil, Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair, and David Richmond—who protested segregation by sitting at an all-white lunch counter. Retired U.S. Representative G.K. Butterfield emphasized the significance of their actions, calling upon current generations to continue the struggle for equity and inclusion. The event included a breakfast celebration, a wreath-laying ceremony, and performances by the university's gospel choir, honoring the legacy of the A&T Four. Attendees reflected on the sit-ins' impact, noting that they spurred a national movement for civil rights, inspiring over 70,000 participants in subsequent protests. Many current students expressed pride in the history linked to their campus, recognizing it as a call to action for ongoing social justice efforts. The event served not only as a remembrance but also as a motivation for future advocacy in the community.