Today marks the 53rd anniversary of the February One Sit-In. At 6 a.m. in the Alumni-Foundation Event Center the annual breakfast and program began.
This year’s theme was “Legacy to Legacy: Shared Leadership.” Co-chairperson Mrs. Akua Matherson explains, “The events today gives you the opportunity to connect to a legacy and shows that anyone can become a part of history.”
Guests entered the event center with a sense of pride and remembrance that filled the atmosphere. Over breakfast members from the board of trustees, local and national legislatures, students and faculty, and the general public came together to remember this historic event.
As the colors were posted by the University Army and Air Force ROTC, committee Chairperson Dr. Judy Rashid welcomes all and says to “take special note that [here at A&T] we pay homage to the student voice of today.” Student Brandon Brockington prayed over the day’s events and the University Choir sang the Black National Anthem.
Student Government Association (SGA) President, Allahquan Tate, presided over the program during breakfast saying, “At this momentous occasion to celebrate four of our pioneers, we can’t help but be inspired.”
First greetings were shared by chairman of the Board of Trustees Mr. Willie Deese, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Dr. Melody Pierce, Bennett College SGA President Ms. Delrisha White, and President of the Graduate Student Council Mr. Dwayne Johnson. Miss A&T, Catherine Hamiln, recognized the special guest in the room while the crowd gave them all a standing ovation.
As the program continued Chancellor Martin presented the Human Rights Medal to Congressman Melvin L. Watt. This prestigious award is obtainable to an individual who has had a positive impact on correcting social injustices.
The winning essays of the Guilford County School Sit-In Competition were read aloud. Dudley High School Senior, Angelique Evins received the second place A&T Greensboro Four Scholarship in the amount of $500 dollars for her artwork representing the Sit-In event.
Evins explains that she took, “a symbolic look at the day.” Having four hands connected at the wrist of the neighboring hand, each with a symbol denoting what the A&T Four were sitting for that morning.
Lastly, the A&T Four were introduced by Mr. A&T, Reginald Johnson and those historic men, Dr. Jibrell Khazan (formerly Ezell A. Blair Jr.), Dr. Franklin Eugene McCain, Dr. Joseph Alfred McNeil, and speaking for his deceased father David L. Richmond Jr. spoke to the crowd.
The celebration continues as the laying of the memorial wreath takes place on the February One Monument at 9am and a conversation with the A&T Four in Harrison Auditorium follows from 9:30 – 10:45 am.
- Ziris Savage, Contributor