Participants remember 1963 Civil Rights Movement in Greensboro

(L to R) Pattie Ellis Banks, Anthanette Thomas Clark and Lewis Brandon recalled the struggles from 1960-1963

Three participants in youth-led Civil Rights Movement organizing in Greensboro spoke as part of an event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of segregation in public places in the city at an event held at the Beloved Community Center this afternoon. After the more well-known Sit-In Movement began here in 1960, the formation of a local chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality and renewed student efforts joined by thousands of residents led to mass demonstrations in 1962 and 1963. 

Speakers shared stories and memories from those times, including a harrowing experience at a picket outside the city's only McDonald's, and discussed the importance of carrying on the struggle today, particularly in the light of the US Supreme Court's decision on the Voting Rights Act earlier this week.

More coverage of the event and of the organizing in 1963 coming soon!