GREENSBORO, N.C. — Back in the 60s, Bennett College students known as the Bennett Belles met to plan sit ins across Greensboro.
Little did they know their work help to inspire their peers.
“I never sat at the counter, but I picketed," Roslyn Smith-McLean said.
Bennett College alum Roslyn Smith has seen history be made and been a part of it.
“The A and T four sat in yes we know, and the country knows but that was our idea first.”
That day—February 1, 1960—helped to push the sit in movement, but what you might not know is Bennett College students also had a hand in making change.
“We met every night Monday through Friday on the second floor of the student union on the side next to marge hall we discussed what is it that we want to do.”
Smith says during that time—black people could buy items at Woolworth's but they were not allowed to sit at the lunch counter.
She says during meetings to plan the Woolworths sit-in, familiar faces would attend.
“Ezell Blair also known as Jibreel one of the four came to some of our meetings and also Franklin McCain. Franklin also dated Betty Davis who was a member of our group.”
The group of women became known as the Bennett Belles and would eventually join forces with students from North Carolina A and T university.
Dozens of articles online tell how the women at Bennett College played a key role in the Greensboro sit ins.
“We have always made it known that we have started this, but we were not going to create confusion in the process of history. we know what we know, and they know what we know.”
Continued demonstrations helped to integrate the Woolworth counter which didn't happen until the fall of 1960.
Today, Smith remembers the actions by herself and her peers that helped to write history.
And sharing how all of it would not have been possible without the support of her Bennett College President Dr. Willa B. Player.
“We all knew Dr. Player as a very strong and stern person. She made it very clear to us that she approved of our actions and that made us feel really good," Smith said.
