GREENSBORO, N.C. — More than 60 years later, Greensboro still remembers February One.
On Feb. 1, 1960, four freshmen from North Carolina A&T State University decided to take a stand by sitting down at the all-white lunch counter at F.W. Woolworth's in downtown Greensboro.
The community in Greensboro continues to honor and remember the four A&T freshmen for their bravery.
The 64th Sit-In Anniversary Breakfast and Wreath Laying took place at the North Carolina A&T Alumni-Foundation Event Center, 200 N. Benbow Road. Themed “The Gathering: Strength in Our Unity,” the event will begin with breakfast which started at 7 this morning, and a program at 8 a.m.
It celebrated the A&T Four: Jibreel Khazan (formerly Ezell Blair Jr.) and retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Joseph McNeil, who are not expected to attend this year’s gathering, and the late Franklin McCain Sr. and the late David Richmond Jr.
WFMY News 2 had the chance to talk with Frank McCain Jr., son of Frank McCain Sr. one of the four students who peacefully protested. He spoke about the importance of holding events like February One in the community.
"North Carolina A&T University is a place where folks of color flourish and it's a great place with sound history. It's important to honor those before us every chance we can," Frank McCain Jr. said.
The program honored critically acclaimed sculptor James Barnhill, Ph.D., who created the iconic February One monument at NC A&T.
The event included “The Gathering Conversation,” a panel discussion featuring:
- Jelani Favors, Ph.D., Henry E. Frye Distinguished Professor of History and Political Science and director of the NC A&T Center of Excellence in Social Justice
- Kennedy Lighty, an NC A&T senior majoring in political science
- Tiffany Seawright, director of Leadership and Engagement at NC A&T
- Oliver M. Thomas, Ph.D., director of External Affairs at NC A&T