WHERE IS THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT?
When I was growing up, I heard a lot about the four inspirational gentlemen who conducted the first counter sit-in for racial equality. These men changed the world and fought for their rights in a peaceful, yet effective way. But, do you know where this occurred?
Well, it happened at the Woolworth Lunch Counter in Greensboro, NC. And, there is now a museum, which is named the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, in the same spot to commemorate this historical protest.
A few months ago, I had the honor of touring this museum, and it was such an informative and life-changing experience. I encourage anyone to visit and educate yourself more on this subject if you find yourself in Greensboro.
After the events of this past month, I decided to take the girls, along with my Dad who was visiting, to see the outside of this historic museum, as well as look at some of the street art that has popped up. Our family has spoken recently about racial inequality, and the girls are just distraught at the idea that people are treated differently due to their skin color. They have learned about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as well as Ruby Bridges and Rose Parks in school, but seeing where it actually began is powerful.
Outside of the museum is a placard that explains that this spot is the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, and on the date of February 1, 1960, these four students conducted the first lunch counter sit-in. It is truly powerful to see this and be in the midst of greatness. Closer to the street is another placard on the ground showing the four gentlemen’s feet with their last name and the date. You are actually able to stand in their footsteps. Thank you to these amazing men for their bravery and tenacity.
On the 50th anniversary, eight bronze coffee cups were created around Greensboro to commemorate this historic event. Each of these sculptures is placed on a stone pedestal. While walking around, we were able to find some of these and will continue to find the rest.
Thank you again to these men for starting the fight for racial inequality. To much dismay, it is still continuing. What are you doing to educate yourself more on racial inequality? Thank you for wandering along with us.
Trisha
We just came across a picture book about this and my children loved it! I’m thinking a visit here would be a great addition to the book. Thank you for sharing!
Jessica Wisniewski
That’s great! Yes, definitely!! Thank you for reading!
Cindy Baker
That sounds like a great learning opportunity for your girls. As a teacher, I think it is so important for kids to learn about the history and see how their story fits in. I lived in Charlotte for several years and love NC!
Jessica Wisniewski
So true! Thank you! We love Charlotte!
Rese
T When I ran across this article, I had to stop and read especially with the climate of the world today. I’ve always heard about the sit-in but did not know where it occurred. I’m also ecstatic to know that this location has been turned into a museum. I would love to visit one day! Thank you for sharing this knowledge not only with me, but also with your children. This is how we change the world!
Jessica Wisniewski
Thank you so much. What kind words. I’m so glad you learned about this historical spot. Thank you for reading!
Dana
Thank you for sharing this. I have been trying to have conversations with my young children and reading them books. But I hope that I can also bring them to places that bring the historical perspective. I find that when they can be at a place that has such significance and meaning, it opens the door to great questions and conversation. Great post. 🙂
Jessica Wisniewski
I completely agree! It brings so much more meaning when you can go to the actual places. Thank you so much!
Christina
What a great thing you are doing with your girls, not only having the conversations about racial inequality, but taking it a step further by actually visiting a site like this to further educate them and honor those who fought. I love historic sites, especially sites that represent powerful movements in our history. Thanks for sharing this. 🙂
Jessica Wisniewski
Thank you so much for reading! I love historic sites as well. It was such an interesting place to visit even if we could not even go inside!
Jean
I have been to Greensboro on numerous ocassions and have never visited anything historic and as monumental of a tribute as what you have shared. I usually come in for an athletic event and am gone. I will make sure to visit when I return. If you are ever in Atlanta visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Jessica Wisniewski
I actually visited the National Center for Civil and Human Rights this past February. It very informative and very well done. Sounds good! Thank you so much for reading!