Answer:
The 1960s Civil Rights movement began with sit-ins that took place in Greensboro, North Carolina. Black university students walked into Woolworths and waited at the lunch counters to be served and after six months, those students eventually got Woolworths to serve black customers.
Explanation:
The 1960s Civil Rights movement in the United States saw a significant shift in tactics and strategies aimed at combating racial segregation and discrimination. One pivotal event that marked the beginning of this era was the sit-in movement, which originated in Greensboro, North Carolina.
In February 1960, four African American college students from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University—Ezell Blair Jr. (later known as Jibreel Khazan), David Richmond, Franklin McCain, and Joseph McNeil—initiated a peaceful protest at a Woolworth's department store in downtown Greensboro. They sat down at the store's segregated lunch counter, which served only white customers, and politely requested to be served.
Despite being refused service, the students remained seated at the lunch counter, peacefully protesting against racial segregation. Their action was inspired by the nonviolent principles of civil disobedience advocated by leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The sit-in continued for several days, drawing increasing attention and participation from other students and community members. As word spread, similar sit-ins began to occur in other cities across the South, sparking a wave of protests against segregation in public facilities.
The sit-in at Woolworth's in Greensboro lasted for six months, during which the students faced verbal abuse, threats, and physical violence from segregationists. Despite these challenges, they remained committed to their cause, attracting nationwide support and press coverage.
Ultimately, the persistence of the students and the growing momentum of the sit-in movement led to significant victories. In July 1960, Woolworths in Greensboro desegregated its lunch counter, marking a symbolic triumph in the struggle for civil rights. The success of the sit-in movement inspired further acts of protest and activism, contributing to the momentum of the broader Civil Rights movement of the 1960s.
