THE A&TREGISTER

We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal- The United Statees We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal- The United Statees We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal- The United Statees We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal- The United Statees We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal- The United Statees We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal- The United Statees Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent question is, “what are you doing for others?”-Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent question is, “what are you doing for others?”-Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent question is, “what are you doing for others?”-Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent question is, “what are you doing for others?”-Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent question is, “what are you doing for others?”-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-A small body of determind spirits fi red by an unquenchable Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-A small body of determind spirits fi red by an unquenchable Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-A small body of determind spirits fi red by an unquenchable Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-A small body of determind spirits fi red by an unquenchable Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-A small body of determind spirits fi red by an unquenchable Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-A small body of determind spirits fi red by an unquenchable Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-A small body of determind spirits fi red by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history-Mohandas Ghandi-Be as benefi cent as faith in their mission can alter the course of history-Mohandas Ghandi-Be as benefi cent as faith in their mission can alter the course of history-Mohandas Ghandi-Be as benefi cent as faith in their mission can alter the course of history-Mohandas Ghandi-Be as benefi cent as faith in their mission can alter the course of history-Mohandas Ghandi-Be as benefi cent as the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a rational being are trenched on, die on the fi rst the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a rational being are trenched on, die on the fi rst the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a rational being are trenched on, die on the fi rst the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a rational being are trenched on, die on the fi rst the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a rational being are trenched on, die on the fi rst inch of your territory.-Ralph Waldo Emerson Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I inch of your territory.-Ralph Waldo Emerson Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I inch of your territory.-Ralph Waldo Emerson Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I inch of your territory.-Ralph Waldo Emerson Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I inch of your territory.-Ralph Waldo Emerson Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I inch of your territory.-Ralph Waldo Emerson Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally. - Abraham Lincoln I am not inter-feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally. - Abraham Lincoln I am not inter-feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally. - Abraham Lincoln I am not inter-feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally. - Abraham Lincoln I am not inter-feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally. - Abraham Lincoln I am not inter-ested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers ested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers ested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers ested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers ested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers ested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers ested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers ested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers ested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers ested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights. ~Bishop Desmond Tutu I have always himself my master. I want the full menu of rights. ~Bishop Desmond Tutu I have always himself my master. I want the full menu of rights. ~Bishop Desmond Tutu I have always himself my master. I want the full menu of rights. ~Bishop Desmond Tutu I have always himself my master. I want the full menu of rights. ~Bishop Desmond Tutu I have always himself my master. I want the full menu of rights. ~Bishop Desmond Tutu I have always himself my master. I want the full menu of rights. ~Bishop Desmond Tutu I have always himself my master. I want the full menu of rights. ~Bishop Desmond Tutu I have always himself my master. I want the full menu of rights. ~Bishop Desmond Tutu I have always himself my master. I want the full menu of rights. ~Bishop Desmond Tutu I have always himself my master. I want the full menu of rights. ~Bishop Desmond Tutu I have always himself my master. I want the full menu of rights. ~Bishop Desmond Tutu I have always claimed Americans didn’t want a drink as bad as they wanted the right to take a drink claimed Americans didn’t want a drink as bad as they wanted the right to take a drink claimed Americans didn’t want a drink as bad as they wanted the right to take a drink claimed Americans didn’t want a drink as bad as they wanted the right to take a drink claimed Americans didn’t want a drink as bad as they wanted the right to take a drink claimed Americans didn’t want a drink as bad as they wanted the right to take a drink if they did happen to want one. ~Will Rogers We hold these truths to be self evident, that if they did happen to want one. ~Will Rogers We hold these truths to be self evident, that if they did happen to want one. ~Will Rogers We hold these truths to be self evident, that if they did happen to want one. ~Will Rogers We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal- The United Statees Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent all men are created equal- The United Statees Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent all men are created equal- The United Statees Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent all men are created equal- The United Statees Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent question is, “what are you doing for others?”-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-A small body of question is, “what are you doing for others?”-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-A small body of question is, “what are you doing for others?”-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-A small body of determind spirits fi red by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of determind spirits fi red by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of determind spirits fi red by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history-Mohandas Ghandi-Be as benefi cent as the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a ra-history-Mohandas Ghandi-Be as benefi cent as the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a ra-history-Mohandas Ghandi-Be as benefi cent as the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a ra-tional being are trenched on, die on the fi rst inch of your territory.-Ralph Waldo Emerson tional being are trenched on, die on the fi rst inch of your territory.-Ralph Waldo Emerson tional being are trenched on, die on the fi rst inch of your territory.-Ralph Waldo Emerson Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally. - Abraham Lincoln I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion personally. - Abraham Lincoln I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion personally. - Abraham Lincoln I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights. ~Bishop Desmond Tutu I have always claimed Americans didn’t want a drink of rights. ~Bishop Desmond Tutu I have always claimed Americans didn’t want a drink of rights. ~Bishop Desmond Tutu I have always claimed Americans didn’t want a drink as bad as they wanted the right to take a drink if they did happen to want one. ~Will Rog-as bad as they wanted the right to take a drink if they did happen to want one. ~Will Rog-as bad as they wanted the right to take a drink if they did happen to want one. ~Will Rog-ers We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal- The United Statees ers We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal- The United Statees ers We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal- The United Statees Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent question is, “what are you doing for others?”-Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent question is, “what are you doing for others?”-Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent question is, “what are you doing for others?”-

all men are created equal- The United Statees Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent all men are created equal- The United Statees Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent question is, “what are you doing for others?”-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-A small body of question is, “what are you doing for others?”-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-A small body of determind spirits fi red by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of determind spirits fi red by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history-Mohandas Ghandi-Be as benefi cent as the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a ra-history-Mohandas Ghandi-Be as benefi cent as the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a ra-tional being are trenched on, die on the fi rst inch of your territory.-Ralph Waldo Emerson tional being are trenched on, die on the fi rst inch of your territory.-Ralph Waldo Emerson Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally. - Abraham Lincoln I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion personally. - Abraham Lincoln I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights. ~Bishop Desmond Tutu I have always claimed Americans didn’t want a drink of rights. ~Bishop Desmond Tutu I have always claimed Americans didn’t want a drink as bad as they wanted the right to take a drink if they did happen to want one. ~Will Rog-as bad as they wanted the right to take a drink if they did happen to want one. ~Will Rog-ers We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal- The United Statees ers We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal- The United Statees Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent question is, “what are you doing for others?”-Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent question is, “what are you doing for others?”-

claimed Americans didn’t want a drink as bad as they wanted the right to take a drink claimed Americans didn’t want a drink as bad as they wanted the right to take a drink claimed Americans didn’t want a drink as bad as they wanted the right to take a drink claimed Americans didn’t want a drink as bad as they wanted the right to take a drink if they did happen to want one. ~Will Rogers We hold these truths to be self evident, that if they did happen to want one. ~Will Rogers We hold these truths to be self evident, that if they did happen to want one. ~Will Rogers We hold these truths to be self evident, that if they did happen to want one. ~Will Rogers We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal- The United Statees Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent all men are created equal- The United Statees Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent all men are created equal- The United Statees Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent all men are created equal- The United Statees Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent question is, “what are you doing for others?”-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-A small body of question is, “what are you doing for others?”-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-A small body of question is, “what are you doing for others?”-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-A small body of determind spirits fi red by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of determind spirits fi red by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of determind spirits fi red by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history-Mohandas Ghandi-Be as benefi cent as the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a ra-history-Mohandas Ghandi-Be as benefi cent as the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a ra-history-Mohandas Ghandi-Be as benefi cent as the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a ra-tional being are trenched on, die on the fi rst inch of your territory.-Ralph Waldo Emerson tional being are trenched on, die on the fi rst inch of your territory.-Ralph Waldo Emerson tional being are trenched on, die on the fi rst inch of your territory.-Ralph Waldo Emerson Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally. - Abraham Lincoln I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion personally. - Abraham Lincoln I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights. ~Bishop Desmond Tutu I have always claimed Americans didn’t want a drink of rights. ~Bishop Desmond Tutu I have always claimed Americans didn’t want a drink as bad as they wanted the right to take a drink if they did happen to want one. ~Will Rog-as bad as they wanted the right to take a drink if they did happen to want one. ~Will Rog-ers We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal- The United Statees ers We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal- The United Statees Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent question is, “what are you doing for others?”-Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent question is, “what are you doing for others?”-Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent question is, “what are you doing for others?”-Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent question is, “what are you doing for others?”-

all men are created equal- The United Statees Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent all men are created equal- The United Statees Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent question is, “what are you doing for others?”-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-A small body of question is, “what are you doing for others?”-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-A small body of determind spirits fi red by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of determind spirits fi red by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history-Mohandas Ghandi-Be as benefi cent as the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a ra-history-Mohandas Ghandi-Be as benefi cent as the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a ra-tional being are trenched on, die on the fi rst inch of your territory.-Ralph Waldo Emerson tional being are trenched on, die on the fi rst inch of your territory.-Ralph Waldo Emerson Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally. - Abraham Lincoln I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion personally. - Abraham Lincoln I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights. ~Bishop Desmond Tutu I have always claimed Americans didn’t want a drink of rights. ~Bishop Desmond Tutu I have always claimed Americans didn’t want a drink as bad as they wanted the right to take a drink if they did happen to want one. ~Will Rog-as bad as they wanted the right to take a drink if they did happen to want one. ~Will Rog-ers We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal- The United Statees ers We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal- The United Statees Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent question is, “what are you doing for others?”-Constitution-Life’s mostpersistent and urgent question is, “what are you doing for others?”-

Special Commemorative Edition: The Grand Opening of The International Civil Rights Center & Museum

cOVER by DEXTER R. MULLINS

LETTER FROM THE EDITORAs you flip through the pages of this special commem-

orative addition, I want you to think about some things. Think back to every time you have ever seen an injustice, or read about someone having their civil rights violated. Think about every person who was blasted with a firehose, had a dog released on them, or was jailed unjustly for wanting to be equal.

Think about every family that lost someone to the strug-gle for equality, the number of lynchings this country has

seen, and the fear the Ku Klux Klan once used to strike into the hearts of millions.

These are not happy thoughts, and they humble us all. For so many of us, we have a tendency to pretend that we don’t see injustice, or that we don’t know anything about racism in America. It’s just easier to think of America as this glistening beacon of equality and justice. No one likes to admit that things are wrong in their household and the American people are no different.

Now I want you to imagine being an 18-year-old college student, en-rolled in school during the most racially charged time in American history, the 60s. Imagine having to sit in the back of every bus, walk through the back door of every restaurant, be denied even the most basic types of ser-vice because you look a little darker than the person behind the counter.

Wouldn’t that just outrage you? It most certainly did for a group of four North Carolina A&T freshmen. Together, these men concocted a plan to do something that would forever change history. The next day, Feb. 1, would prove to be a test of their nerves.

Could you walk in solemn silence to a destination that you knew you were not welcome? Would you have been able to sit down while others taunted you, threw food on you, pushed and kicked at you, or spat on you, all for the good of the cause?

I have asked myself this question over and over again, and my answer is always the same: I don’t know. Luckily I don’t have to know.

The purpose of me asking you these questions is to place you in the proper mind set for that which is about to unfold. As the 50th anniversary of the Sit-in Movement lies just days away, many people do not truly ap-preciate what this means. While I can’t speak for everyone, I can certainly say that I am ecstatic.

Four years ago, I was an 18-year-old college freshman, and I made a promise to myself and my friends: before we graduate, I would do every-thing in my power to make sure that the International Civil Rights Center & Museum was opened.

What started as a commemorative march movement entitled “4us,” turned into something I could never have imagined. With the direction of A. Tibias Thorne, Veronica Harrison, various other SGA and student mem-bers and myself, the march has continued on every year, and I most cer-tainly hope that will continue after I have gone.

The Civil Rights Museum is a strong signal that the south truly has be-gun to change, and it has restored my faith in the goodness of people. To me this museum is much more than just a building, and I hope that you can see it as something special for yourself.

Enjoy this special edition, but also remember that many lives were lost, and much hard work was done, to get the movement to this point.

Like Sam Cooke said, “it’s been a long time coming,” but I know a change has finally come.

DEXTERMULLINS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 3A Letter from President Obama

Page 4A Living Dream

Aggie alumni Tibias Thorne and Veronica Harrison talk about what it’s like

to work in the museum

Page 5Mississippi Mourning:

“The Emmett Till Story”Student playwright, actor, director and

visionary Kevin Wilson brings the story of an event that was pivotal to the movement

Page 6Remembering David

Family members reflect on their fallen leader

Page 7On The Front Lines

The A&T Register takes a look back at the tension of the 1960s

Page 10Hidden Monuments

A photo essay by Shante Mathes, A&T Register photographer, of monuments erected in the name of the A&T Four

Page 12Calendar of events

The White House1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW

Washington, DC 20500

In 1960, four young students from North Carolina A&T walked into a Woolworth store in Greensboro, North Carolina, sat down at a lunch counter and reignited a movement for social justice that would forever change America.

Inspired by the words and deeds of a young preacher who catalyzed a bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama, Franklin E. McCain, Joseph A. McNeil, David L. Richmond and Jibreel Khazan (Ezell Blair Jr.) decided that enough was enough.

They knew they would be the subject of ridicule and bigotry upon taking their seats. But they also knew that what was happening in Greensboro and throughout the country was an affront to America’s founding ideals of freedom, equality and justice for all.

After ordering coffee and being refused service, the men who would become known as the Greensboro Four left the lunch counter, but the moments they sat in those chairs have had a lasting impact on our nation.

The quiet dignity of this simple act sparked other sit-ins in Greensboro and across the country.

The lessons taught at that fi ve-and-dime challenged us to consider who we are as a na-tion and what kind of future we want to build for our children.

We know the rest of the story. One year later, the Freedom Riders made their brave trek across the South. Two summers after that, the same Montgomery preacher who inspired the Greensboro Four would stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and pronounce his dream for America. One year later came the Civil Rights Act, and the next year, the Voting Rights Act, which helped secure for African Americans — and all Americans — a fundamental right to share in the blessings of this country.

To the four young men who courageously sat down to order a cup of coffee 50 years ago, and to all who they inspired, I simply say, thank you.

Barack ObamaPresident

The United States of America

Reprinted with permission from The White House3

Q: You two have been closely tied to this project. Can you describe the connection for us?

Tibias Thorne: I have been volunteering with the museum since 2006, and was committed to doing whatever I could do to help and in 2009 they requested that I become a full time employee. It’s been by far one of the greatest experiences and opportunities I’ve ever had.

Veronica Harrison: It’s a wonderful feeling to know that I was a part of collecting information in the exhibits I was able to actually create some of the text in exhibits like “In Memoriam” and “Women and the Movement.”

Q: What does it feel like working for the museum?

TT: It feels great working for the museum. People are always amazed that I’m involved in the capacity that I am. I’m not sure if that’s because of my young age or what but it always happens. My position is very challenging and diverse. I never know what to expect hour to hour. In a typical day I could be in the offi ce, at a meeting with a major corporation about sponsorships, meeting with a committee of community and religious leaders, or in brainstorming sessions with a marketing fi rm about museum exposure.

VH: Historic.

Q: In relation to the commemorative march, does this one have any

additional signifi cance to you?

TT: This march defi nitely has signifi cance to me because I remember sitting in the SGA offi ce at an E-Board meeting wondering if they were about to take my idea about a commemorative march and a 4US fundraiser seriously. Luckily, they did, and it achieved the goal of spreading awareness about the museum. Now, four years later, it’s great to see a vision I hoped for in the past to bring into tangible form.

VH: Being that it is the 50th Anniversary makes this march even more special. I’m just thankful to know I am a part of it.

Q: Since you were A&T Students, how does the opening day being the 50th anniversary of the sit-in movement affect you?

TT: It affects me tremendously. I’ve always felt that North Carolina A&T State University was the ‘womb’ of the civil rights movement. If it happened here, it was planned here. If it wasn’t planned here, it was nurtured here. If it wasn’t nurtured here, it was executed properly here. There is nothing in life that equates to the feeling of being a true Aggie. I can’t even put into words the communal since of pride, humility, reverence, and thankfulness that I believe all True Aggies are experiencing as this day comes to pass.

VH: Well I am a proud alumnus of North Carolina A&T and I have

experienced the sit-in celebrations for the 4 years I was a student there but this year is extra special because this moment is being highlighted not only in Greensboro but all over the country.

Q: What is your motivation?

TT: My motivation is my understanding of my insignifi cance in all of this. I realize that the results of the long hours, challenging work, and everything else that comes with the territory will have a positive effect on generation that comes far outweighs any qualms that I may have. Honestly it’s my reasonable service because those who came before me in the civil rights movement adopted that same mind set for me.

VH: I’m very excited to see this museum come to life. It warms my heart to know that so many expected this project to fail but yet and still we are here and ready to open.

Q: Tell us about your experience with the supporters of the museum.

TT: I have volunteered with the Museum since 2006 and now I am employed as the Special Assistant for Events and Memberships and also do some collegiate outreach.

VH: All the supporters of the museum have been very excited and generous in their give to this project. Everyone involved is ready to see this organization bloom into a staple for tourism in not only Greensboro but

in all of North Carolina.

Q: What is your favorite section of the museum?

TT: My favorite section of the museum is the section entitled In Memoriam. It’s a section dedicated to those people who were active in the civil rights movement, but not necessarily recognized in celebrity fashion. It’s black, with low lighting, a refl ective tiled black fl oor, and a crystal sculpture. It’s next to impossible to be able to walk through it without being humbled and fi lled with a sense of reverence.

VH: Some would think the lunch counter would be my favorite part because it’s so symbolic of what this museum stands for but in actuality it’s the interactive parts of the museum that allow you to participate in exhibits and pull you in to the overall civil rights experience.

Q: Anything else?

TT: I’m thankful to be a part of this project at such an early phase. I’m more than confi dent that this museum exceeds everyone’s expectations and am an asset not only to Greensboro but the world at large.

VH: I really hope that A&T students will take advantage of this museum, bring your friends from other institution and show them what A&T Students have accomplished and how far we have come as a people and as Aggies!! AGGIE PRIDE

A LIVINg DREAMAlumni Veronica Harrison and Tibias Thorne went from helping to start the 4US movement to working directly for the Civil Rights Musuem.

4

PHOTO by kENNETH HAwkINS

SyLVIA ObELLRegister Reporter

MISSISSIPPI MOURNING: THE EMMETT TILL STORYIn an attempt to show the importance of one of the motivating factors behind

the A&T Four sit-in, one student thought it would be a perfect idea to present his play for the campus a second time.

Kevin Wilson Jr., a junior broadcast production major from Durham, wanted students to be able to see his interpretation of what he thinks was a catalyst to the historic sit-in. The Emmett Till play will be performed Friday, Jan. 29th in Harrison Auditorium. The play was written, directed and produced by Wilson.

What’s unique about the play is that Wilson wrote it when he was 14 years old. But it was not until he came to A&T that he had the opportunity to put the script to the stage. According to Wilson, when he came to Aggieland, many students he asked were not aware of the true story of Emmett Till. As a result, he felt like he had an ‘obligation’ to tell the story on campus.

His quest began in 2008 trying to market his play, fi nd actors and sponsors. Once he found his actors he had to focus on sponsors. Eventually Wilson found funds within A&T, directly from the Dr. Sullivan Welborne, Jr., the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs. Welborne provided the cast with the monetary funds to purchase sound equipment, a set, costumes, make-up and everything they needed. Wilson and the cast went solo for a long time without any sponsors until he connected with the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

The brothers of A Phi A helped Wilson book the venue- Harrison Auditorium as well as serve as ushers for the play. The play debuted April 19th, 2009, reaching capacity in Harrison Auditorium.

“We come from really humble beginnings and that’s great because now we appreciate it a lot more,” said Wilson. “Sometimes I don’t believe it’s happening, because it’s been such a huge dream of mine for so long.”

Their journey began with no space for rehearsals, forced to practice in the basement of Bluford Library and even outside in front of the A&T Four statue. The play has developed from no budget and being turned away from almost everyone as a potential sponsor to touring around the country.

After the Feb. 1 week of events showing, the cast will travel to Durham on Mar. 6 for two shows and will travel to Brooklyn, N.Y., April 9-11th for three shows. Wilson has received nonstop calls to book the play, however they are not able to take the show on the road like he would like.

“We can’t go everywhere, the actors are still in school. But I thought it was very important to go to Durham, simply because it’s where I got started,” said Wilson.

Wilson has established himself very well as a playwright in A&T’s campus. He was originally asked to write another play for the Feb. 1 events. After a phone conversation with Jibreel Khazan (Ezell Blair Jr.) Wilson found out that the story of Emmett Till was one of the motivating factors behind their journey. So Wilson thought it pertinent to bring the play back for students and everyone to enjoy a second time.

So is Wilson nervous about debuting his play for a second time, after some minor revisions?

“Nervous, I’m always nervous. I always get sick the week of my show, it’s like a routine and sure enough I am sick. I have so much stress built up but I am ready to get it on the stage. Then, based on the audiences response I’ll know if it’s a good show.”

His April 19th, 2009 show packed out Harrison Auditorium. With the auditorium holding 908 seats at capacity, the show held over 1,000 people, with students and community residents sitting on the fl oor and in the staircases. People were also turned away.

As one of the kick-offs to this 50th anniversary of the February 1 events, Wilson and the cast have prepared and given “blood, sweat and tears” for this production. “It’s just a dream come true,” said Wilson.

JASMINE JOHNSONNews Editor

5PHOTOS by kENNETH HAwkINS

REMEMBERING DAVIDAlexis Richmond and Arlette McTillmon, granddaughter and daughter-in-law of David Richmond, talk about the legacy of the man who helped launch a civil rights movement.

On February 1, 1960 in Greensboro, NC, four North Carolina A&T State freshmen students took a stand without in fact standing. Ezell Blair Jr, Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil, and David Richmond walked into history by sitting down at an all white lunch counter and refused to get up.

Now 50 years later, the A&T Four celebrates its golden anniversary of what may be looked upon as the spark to the civil rights movement. As the streets become flooded with spectators next week to pay tribute to this monumental occasion, one person will not be here to share it.

On Dec. 7, 1990, David Richmond passed away; he was 49. To gain insight on how his contribution to society impacted those close to him, The A&T Register, interviewed his oldest granddaughter, Alexis Richmond, and her mother Arlette McTillmon. Alexis is a junior, biology major at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and McTillmon is the Curriculum Facilitator at the Middle College at NC A&T.

Q: Let’s start off by telling us your thoughts on your David Richmond’s legacy on the A&T campus

Alexis Richmond: I think it was something very monumental, I am proud to be a part of the family, however I don’t go around and boast my name, but if someone is interested I always love to tell about it, and expound upon what happened.

Arlette McTillmon: David was phenomenal. When I was dating Chip [David Richmond Jr.], we would help paint, and he would never bring up the sit-ins, never. You would almost have to pull teeth to get him to talk about it because he wasn’t proud. And I say proud meaning prideful about it. He wasn’t arrogant, and I remember verbatim what he said about it, “We did what we had to do, and it wasn’t for notoriety, it was the

wrong that had to be righted.” Q: While in grade school, what was it like

hearing your teachers teach about the Civil Rights movement and mention of him as one of the pioneers?

AM: I learned nothing about African-American history in my K-12 years of school, nothing. I am from Randleman, NC, a prominently white rural area. I didn’t learn about African-American history until I took a Western Civilization class at Barber Scotia College.

I didn’t know anything about the sit-ins at A&T when I first met Chip. I went home and talked to my grandparents about him, and they told me all about it. My aunt was a student at A&T during the time of the sit-ins. She actually took part during the sit-ins and was able to tell me a lot about it.

AR: During black history month, I always did projects on him, and on the sit-ins. I once remember in middle school, my dad came and spoke to my school about them.

It’s funny, I actually went to the same high school as my grandfather, and in my senior year, the teachers starting saying, “Oh, that’s David Richmond’s granddaughter,” and that’s when everything kinda blew up for me.

Q: Was that overwhelming?AR: At times, yes. But not necessarily all the

time, I’m a pretty shy person so I don’t like a lot of attention, so when stuff like that would up, I would be a little reserved, but still very proud.

Q: What event next week are you looking forward to?

AR: I’m very excited about the museum opening. It’s been a long time coming, because I can remember I was about four when I met Rosa Parks, and I remember being in the museum when it was first getting started. I’m very glad

it’s really coming true.AM: I am really looking forward to the

museum opening. This has been a project long overdue, and I’m excited to see its completion.

Q: Did Richmond’s legacy on A&T have anything to do with you going to UNCG?

AR: My high school was predominately black, and nothing against HBCUs, I just wanted to experience something different. And I realize that with my grandfather and the rest of them sitting down, that was the reason I could go to UNCG. That was kinda me setting my own path, and making my own name out here.

AM: I wanted her to come to A&T because I wanted her to stay in the David Richmond dorm, and get to realize the rich legacy he left. But her heart, and let me emphasis her heart was at UNCG. That same summer after she graduated I got the job here at [A&T], and I was excited for the both of us to be here. It bothered me that she didn’t want to go to A&T, and I really had to seek God, and ask why, and with great tenacity I realized that was the reason why David and them sat down, so she could go to UNCG, so that’s what made it alright. It gets me excited, that the granddaughter is living out a fulfillment piece of why he sat down.

Q: How do you think he would view this 50th anniversary if he were here?

AM: I think he would be humbled, and in my own opinion I believe he would be grateful that all kinds of young people, and all kinds of hues of people to enter the doors of that museum. Along with seeing his grandchild go to UNCG.

Q: Any final thoughts?AR: I am really thankful for what A&T does

for the sit-ins. I am really glad how they promote it, and how it’s a big part of the institution. I’m just so happy they keep it going every year.

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PHOTO by kENNETH HAwkINS

kELcIE MccRAEOpinions Editor

ON THE FRONT LINES

Would you have been able to march for freedom? Could you have sat down in the

midst of the turmoil? In the midst of a civil rights battle, the “A&T Four” were not the only ones who helped to fuel the movement. Just imagine standing on the side-walk in front of the Woolworth’s holding a sign demanding equality. Now how would you feel if the person standing next to you had a sign that said “negro go home?” What started as a one day move-ment went on to become a citywide di-vide that would bring to light the social and economic differences in a commu-nity as racially tense as that of the city of Greensboro. More importantly, it would test the faith and character of thousands

of students that were willing to fight for what they believed was a right. Could you have stood on the front lines of the civil rights battle field? What would you have done if you had been here when the National Guard took over our campus? Thanks to the efforts of those that came before us, we don’t have to make that decision. However that doesn’t mean injustice has ended and we are certainly a long way away from equality. The Sit-in Movement was just one of many different things that helped to make society the way it is now. The next few pages will highlight the struggle of our ancestors, and bring to light the complexities of what they did for all of us to come.

DEXTER R. MULLINSEditor In Chief

PHOTO cREDITS: PAgE 7, NEwS & REcORD; PAgES 8-9, THE A&T REgISTER. ALL PHOTOS REPRINTED wITH PERMISSION.

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HH I DDD EE NMONUMENTS

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Sit-in Movement, A&T Register photographer Shante Mathes went out around Greensboro and on

the campus of North Carolina A&T to highlight some of the monuments dedicated to the A&T Four.

A PHOTO ESSAY BY SHANTE MATHES

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

THURSDAY JAN. 28, 2010Town Hall Panel Discussion: 50 Years LaterAlumni Foundation Events Center, 6:00 p.m.Hosted by BET’s Ed GordonGuests: Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., Rev. Al Sharpton, Dr. Julianne Malveaux and Dr. Harold L. Martin Sr.(must have a ticket)

FRIDAY, JAN. 29, 2010Sit-In Movement Luncheon “Unsung Heroes”Stallings Ballroom, noon(fi rst come, fi rst served; business professional attire)

“Mississippi Mourning: The Emmett Till Story”A play by student Kevin WilsonHarrison Auditorium, 7p.m.(must have a ticket)

SATURDAY, JAN. 30, 201050th Anniversary GalaThe Koury Convention Center7 p.m.(must have a ticket; formal attire)

SUNDAY, JAN. 31, 2010Ecumenical ServiceFeaturing Yolanda AdamsGreensboro Coliseum6 p.m.

MONDAY, FEB. 1, 2010Sit-In Anniversary Breakfast & ProgramEmpire Ballroom, 5:30 a.m.(must have a ticket; business professional attire)

GRAND OPENING OF THE MUSEUM, 8 a.m.

PHOTOS by kENNETH HAwkINSgRAPHIc by cAMERON S. SIMMONS