If you didn’t already know, the former F.W. Woolworth’s retail store, is now the International Civil Rights Center and Museum here in Greensboro.
Local officials Melvin “Skip” Alston and Earl F. Jones took the initiative many years ago to save the site, famous for sparking sit-ins all over the south, from being torn down. They had the vision to transform the landmark into a museum that opened on February 1, 2010, only 3 years ago.
“Each month we have big things planned,” said Bamidele Demerson, executive director of the International Civil Rights Center and Museum. “We have lectures, panel discussions, film screenings, plays produced on our stage, a lot of things that can enhance the educational experience that visitors can receive.”
All of these activities can be seen in their monthly calendar.
Recently, faculty members from North Carolina A&T and High Point University have written modules based on the main exhibitions. From these, teachers all over North Carolina have developed lesson plans in preparation for their trips to the museum.
“What can students do in class before they get here? What can they do when they get back? It’s all about extending their visit and not just taking a tour,” said Bamidele.
This 43,000 square foot museum is centered on the A&T Four with the historic lunch counter and stools from Woolworth’s as the highlight. Since the opening, people from not only North Carolina but all over the world have visited.
“We’re always encouraging visitors, especially students from North Carolina A&T,” said Bamidele. “This is a part of your legacy as A&T students.”
Students, especially, should understand and appreciate this center created to commemorate the 4 A&T students that sat down at “whites only” lunch counters to challenge the act of segregation.
“I know a guy that goes to my church that served at the lunch counter and remembers seeing the protests,” said Tayler Johnson, junior social work major from Columbus, Ohio. “It was really touching and I felt a sense of pride because I am an A&T student.”
Not only does the museum highlight the sit-in’s here, but also the movements from all over the south. It is an engaging center filled with artifacts, photographs, videos and interactive galleries that tell the story of the fight for equality in America.
“Those that participated in the student non-violent protests insured the liberties of so many,” said Bamidele. “Students now, too, have an obligation to protect and extend freedoms for everyone.”
What is a situation that faces you today that demands action? Many students feel that gun control; black on black crime and the large use of social networks are big issues we face today. As students, we have the right to fight for what we believe in that can make us a better group of people.
“Staying involved is a good way to make sure we progress,” said Jabriel Brown, sophomore psychology major from Atlanta, Ga. “It is good to know what we’ve accomplished but it is our job as students, now, to do good things to impact our community and school. It’s all about keeping the sense of Aggie Pride.”
Aggies can volunteer the entire month of February at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum by contacting SUAB.
- Victorri Taylor, Contributor