45 Years Later

From its very start, students have played an integral part in the civil rights and social justice movement. Arguably, the horrific kidnapping and murder of 14-year old Emmett Till at the hands of an angry white mob in Mississippi was one of the catalyst that motivated thousands to fight for change.

Forty-five years ago, sitting at a Woolworth's lunch counter, four A&T college freshmen changed the course of American history. This sparked a revolution that would inspire similar sit-ins across the state and the South. With the 50th anniversary fastly approaching, this movement does not only effect the African-American students of A&T, but the minorites as well. "Many people should use the Greensboro four as a reason to set an example and continue to make change. They fought for us to never give up on what you believe in", says Ashley Stewart. Stewart, a freshman this year, is Caucasian who was adopted by an African-American family.

Many minorities at A&T feel a sense of abandonment when it comes to things that are relateable to the civil rights movement. Although the movement's primary focus dealt with African-Americans and women, it essentially affected everybody. "It regards everyone, not just African-Americans. Fighting for what you believe in applies to everybody" says Greg Bodmer, another Caucasian student at the university. Kristina Clayton, a sophomore, is biracial and identifies with both races, but agress that this part of history has an impact on all students and should be treated as such. "When its all said and done, we are all one at this school."

No good deed is put to waste. Woolworth later integrated all of its stores and the Greensboro four have become icons of the civil rights movement.