After six months of preparation, N.C. A&T is all set for the celebration of the 53rd Sit-In Anniversary in a series of honoring the A&T Four on Feb. 1.
On Feb. 1, 1960, four freshmen, Ezell Blair Jr. (Jibreel Khazan), Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil and David Richmond walked downtown Greensboro and sat in a “whites only” lunch counter at Woolworth’s.
The actions of the four students started a movement. Sit-ins across the nation eventually led to the passing of the 1960 Civil Rights Bill.
This year’s theme for “Feb 1” is, “Legacy to Legacy: Sharing Leadership.” Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs /Dean of Students and chair for the Feb. 1 committee, Judy Rashid, wants to bring a sense of responsibility towards students to constantly stay informed and engaged in society.
Because this year’s theme focuses on leadership, Rashid emphasized she wants to gather the student leaders on campus, community leaders, faculty, staff and the A&T Four to embrace the legacy that was started in 1960.
“The A&T Four represents A&T. But also students today, I’ve viewed them as legacy,” said Rashid.
“I am very clear that the mantra of this university, one of its many facets is student leadership development. I see all students as leaders in their own right so this legacy to legacy salutes the past and present students.”
Every year, the university hosts a breakfast, lying of the memorial wreath and a panel discussion, but students wonder why the same events are planned every year.
Dr. Rashid explained that the events are what are called, a university observance.
“At any institution, there are certain things the university hold in high regard. The A&T Four are historical figures for our campus, and it is apart of students leadership development,” said Rashid.
She feels the events serve as a sense of inspiration for every generation, “Students relate what happened 53 years ago to their present lives and it comes out in the form of what they would stand up for today.”
The annual Feb. 1 breakfast starts at 6 a.m. in the Alumni Foundation Event Center. The event will feature winners of the Guilford County Schools Sit-In essay contest and remarks from student leaders and administrators. Following the breakfast will be the laying of the memorial wreath at 9 a.m. at the February One Monument. The roundtable discussion will take place in Harrison Auditorium with the A&T Four and the Student Government Association at 9:30 a.m.
An overall message that was presented in previous Feb. 1 anniversaries is to stay engaged in society. Dr. Rashid feels that students can learn from experiencing these events, and they can be impactful amongst their own endeavors.
“A&T does not teach you what to think but how to think ,so we are here to help you realize your dreams. That’s the how, and you have a right to determine the what,” said Rashid. “That is the legacy of what the programs bring every year and even 53 years later, the A&T Four, come back and want to hear from the students.”
For more information on the Feb. 1 events, you can visit the A&T website or call 336-334-7791.
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- Erik Veal, Editor-in-Chief