Sit-Ins
A sit in can be defined as an organized passive protest, especially against racial segregation, in which the demonstators occupy seats prohibited to them, as in restaurants and other public places.
Greensboro Sit-in
On February 1st, 1960 four black students- Ezell Blair Jr., David Richmond, Franklin McCain and Joseph McNeil sat down at the lunch counter at the Woolworth's in downtown Greensboro, where the official policy was to refuse to service anyone but whites. When the students were denied service they refused to give up their seats. Police arrived on scene but, were unable to take action due to the lack of provocation. The "Greensboro four" stayed in their seats until the store closed. The next day the four students returned to Woolworth's with more students from local colleges.
By February 5th, some 300 students had joined the protest at Woolworth's paralyzing the lunch counter and other buisnesses. The sit-in was heavily televised and the movement quickly spread to college towns throughout the south. By the end of March the movement had spread to 55 cities in 13 states.
By February 5th, some 300 students had joined the protest at Woolworth's paralyzing the lunch counter and other buisnesses. The sit-in was heavily televised and the movement quickly spread to college towns throughout the south. By the end of March the movement had spread to 55 cities in 13 states.