A JOINT RESOLUTION honoring those who participated in the sit‑in movement that began in the city of greensboro on the 45th anniversary of the movement.
Whereas, on February 1, 1960, Ezell Blair, Jr., David Richmond, Joseph McNeil, and Franklin McCain, freshmen at North Carolina A & T State University, took a bold stand against rampant segregation in this country by sitting at the all‑white lunch counter in the F.W. Woolworth department store in Greensboro and demanding service, which was denied; and
Whereas, on the following day, these young men returned to the store along with Billy Smith and Clarence Henderson, and others, only to be denied service again; and
Whereas, these events drew widespread media attention bringing focus to discriminatory practices against Blacks in the South and spotlighting the courage of these students; and
Whereas, the sit‑ins fueled the movement to desegregate public facilities in this country and led to sleep‑ins in segregated motels, kneel‑ins in segregated churches, and swim‑ins in segregated pools; and
Whereas, by August 1961, more than 70,000 people had participated in similar demonstrations across the country; and
Whereas, the actions of these brave young people were instrumental in the adoption of anti‑discriminatory laws and policies that have led to a more diverse nation; and
Whereas, to acknowledge and honor the sacrifices and actions of the A & T students and many others, activities have been planned to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Greensboro sit‑ins; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors the courageous actions of Ezell Blair, Jr., David Richmond, Joseph McNeil, and Franklin McCain to end racial segregation. The General Assembly further honors the memory of David Richmond, who died in 1990.
SECTION 2.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, Ezell Blair, Jr. (Jibreel Khazan), Joseph McNeil, and Franklin McCain, and the family of David Richmond.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.