TITLE
Title
RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT AND COMMEMORATING THE GREENSBORO AND HIGH POINT SIT-INS
end
SPONSOR
Sponsor
Chairman Melvin "Skip" Alston
end
RESOLUTION
Resolution
WHEREAS, the Civil Rights Movement stands as one of the most transformative periods in American history, marked by the courageous efforts of ordinary citizens who demanded justice, equality, and full citizenship for African Americans through nonviolent action; and
WHEREAS, hidden figures throughout North Carolina played a pivotal role in advancing the Civil Rights Movement, particularly through the brave actions of students and community members who challenged racial segregation and discrimination in public accommodations; and
WHEREAS, on February 1, 1960, four students from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Ezell Blair Jr. (now Jibreel Khazan), Joseph McNeil, Franklin McCain, and David Richmond, launched the historic Greensboro sit-ins at the Woolworth’s lunch counter, igniting a youth-led movement that rapidly spread across the South and the nation; and
WHEREAS, the Greensboro sit-ins demonstrated the power of disciplined, nonviolent protest and directly contributed to the desegregation of lunch counters, retail establishments, and public spaces, helping to accelerate national momentum toward civil rights legislation; and
WHEREAS, on February 11, 1960, the City of High Point also emerged as a vital site of civil rights activism, where 26 William Penn High School students, who were inspired by the A&T Greensboro Four, staged a sit-in at a Woolworth’s lunch counter. Clergy and local residents organized and participated in sit-ins, marches, and boycotts to confront segregation and secure equal access to public accommodations and employment opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the sit-ins and related actions in High Point reflected the same courage, resilience, and moral clarity that defined the broader Civil Rights Movement, reinforcing the interconnected struggle for justice across Guilford County and beyond; and
WHEREAS, the sacrifices and leadership of students, faith leaders, educators, and community advocates in Greensboro and High Point laid a foundation for lasting social change and continue to inspire ongoing efforts to advance equity, inclusion, and civil rights for all people; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper to recognize and commemorate the enduring legacy of the Civil Rights Movement and to honor the local heroes whose actions reshaped communities and strengthened our democracy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Guilford County Board of Commissioners hereby celebrates the Civil Rights Movement and proudly honors the historic sit-ins that occurred in Greensboro and High Point, North Carolina, acknowledging their profound local and national impact.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we commend the courage and determination of those who participated in these nonviolent protests and recognize their role in advancing justice, dignity, and equal opportunity.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we reaffirm our commitment to preserving this history, educating future generations, and continuing the work of building communities rooted in fairness, respect, and opportunity for all.
PRESENTED this the 5th day of February, 2026.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and cause the corporate seal of the County of Guilford to be affixed, this the 5th day of February 2026.
Melvin “Skip” Alston, Chairman
Guilford County Board of Commissioners
end
REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Adopt resolution celebrating the Civil Rights Movement and commemoration of the Greensboro and High Point sit-ins.