Civil Rights Movement Research Paper

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Was the Civil Rights Movement violent? While many parts were, the Woolworth’s sit-in was one example of a peaceful protest. Just by sitting in a lunch counter day after day, four brilliant men managed to change America’s view on segregation and positively impact the world. On February 1, 1960 in Greensboro, North Carolina, four African-American college students decided to initiate a sit-in (Murray). The Greensboro Four, Ezell Blair Jr., David Richmond, Franklin McCain and Joseph McNeil were determined to keep their peaceful protest under control. They meticulously planned their movement for days. Ralph Johns, a local white business man, helped them bring their plan to life by getting the attention of the news channels. The plan was to go …show more content…

Many of the peaceful protesters were arrested for trespassing. They were also harassed by many white men. The white men would try to scare them away by spitting on them and yelling abusive phrases. They even went as far as throwing eggs and setting peoples clothes on fire (Murray). The sit-in was delayed at one point because there were multiple bomb threats on the people. While the movement was still wildly successful, some facilities did not integrate, they just shut down (Cohen). However, even through the rough time the protesters managed to stay strong in their …show more content…

(Greensboro Sit-In). Because this protest became so recognized, the trend of peaceful protests spread like wildfire. It was broadcasted all over the news and people were inspired. In fact, the movement spread to 55 college towns and 13 states (Greensboro Sit-In). The actions of the four men made an long-lasting impact on the world. By that summer, most dining areas were integrated. TIME Magazine states that. “The lunch-counter sit-ins spawned wade-ins at pools and beaches, kneel-ins at churches, read-ins at libraries, and walk-ins at theaters and amusement parks.” Woolworth’s was the first lunch counter to change their policy and start allowing service to African Americans (Murray). The SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) was founded in April in order to keep the ideas and beliefs of the people going. The SNCC was one of the main forces of the civil rights movement, but was later

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