WATCH: Interview with Jesse Jackson

As part of this week's cover story about Jesse Jackson and the 50th anniversary of the civil rights struggle in Greensboro that forced desegregation in public places, check out this video of a portion of YES! Weekly's interview with Jackson this June at the International Civil Rights Center & Museum.

In the clip, Jackson answered reporter Eric Ginsburg's questions about parts of Greensboro, people he remembers, his first time speaking before a large crowd and the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement.

Video by Harvey Robinson and and Carolyn de Berry from Monkeywhale Productions. Edited by Kevin Smith.

Thanks to Gloria Pitts and Courtney Jackson at NC A&T University, Jordan Stowe, Robinson, de Berry and Smith for their help.

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!