by Brittney M. Black
NNPA News Service

Fifty years ago, four North Carolina A&T students took a stand against segregation by sitting down at a F.W. Woolworth’s store counter. This simple act by four freshmen, now known as the “A&T Four,” inspired students in North Carolina—and around the country.

Dr. Franklin E. McCain (right) embraces another A&T demonstrator at the luncheon. (Photo by Zelena Williams/Howard University News Service)

Hundreds of people came back to Greensboro where it all began to honor the A&T Four and to commemorate the opening of the International Civil Rights Center and Museum on Feb. 1.

One of the four, Dr. Franklin E. McCain, looks at the museum opening as a challenge to himself and the next generation. Here’s his reflection:

“The opening of the museum to me personally means a challenge....because it reminds me of what happened on Feb. 1st and presents me with the question ‘what have I done lately?’….The museum is like a report card for me….I do a little self-introspection and give myself a grade. The grade I come back with is a C. I have to recognize that I cannot live on Feb. 1st for the rest of my life. I have to continue to do other great things. That’s what I have been doing.”