A Simple Cup of Coffee?

Most people know the basics of the four college freshmen in Greensboro, NC who put their social lives and studies on hold so they could challenge the local Woolworth's decision to maintain a segregated lunch counter. They asked to be served a simple cup of coffee.

It was February 1, 1960, six years after Brown v BOE had ruled it illegal to separate students by race in a classroom, and a full twelve years after President Truman had desegregated the US military. Listen to NJ-raised Lonnie Bunch (head of the Smithsonian Institution) reflect on how those college students lit a fire under his percolator. CLICK THIS PHOTO BELOW to hear the 4-min video.

In the picture below, you can sort of make out the sign on the left for the International Civil Rights Center & Museum. The Woolworth building has been transformed into a sanctuary of study, learning, and reflection. They don't let you take photos in the museum, so CLICK THIS PHOTO to see what's inside.

On this ordinary street in an ordinary town, people took extraordinary action. And a special shoutout to the HIGH SCHOOL students (!!!) who carried on the movement when the college term ended and the college students went home.

"Sometimes taking a stand for what is undeniably right means taking a seat."

Is there ever such a thing as a simple cup of coffee?