Greensboro’s Civil Rights Museum
February 1st, 2010 marked the 50th anniversary of the sit-in movement begun by 4 young men from NC A&T University in the Woolworth’s of downtown Greensboro. It was also opening day of the “International Civil Rights Center & Museum” in that very spot. Just over a week and a half later, my Campus Crusade staff team took a blustery walk over to the museum for a visit. (I have to mention the blustery-ness of this walk because the wind was crazy that day - 50 mph gusts and a wind chill of 9.)
The cost for the museum tour is $8 and it takes about 45 minutes. Our tour was led by a staff member at the museum and began promptly at 11 o’clock. Personally, I enjoy meandering through museums at my own speed and I’m the type of person who likes to read every sign in each exhibit. The speediness of our tour didn’t allow for this, so that was a bit disappointing to me. However, it seems that there are some upcoming interactive portions and perhaps there will eventually also be self-led tours. So, I may just have to go back and check things out again after they’ve worked out all the “just opened bugs.”
Overall, the museum was quite informative and exhibited many aspects of the civil rights movement in America. I am enthused by the fact that the movement began with a few young men who were students at a local college. College students recognize the world’s injustices and haven’t yet been made cynical about their ability to bring change. These young men didn’t behave in an unruly manner. They didn’t disrespect others. They simply came to sit at a lunch counter where any paying customer should be allowed to enjoy a meal. So simple, yet so courageous!
I have previously been to the Little Rock High School site in Arkansas and was really moved by the thought processes that led to such separation of people based on race - essentially based on fear of anything different. Yet, one thing this Greensboro visit taught me that I didn’t know was the difference in the price of a soda. I know about separate “white” and “colored” entrances, waiting rooms, and water fountains. However, one of the exhibits shows a Coke machine where a drink had a cost of five cents on one side - the “white” side - and a cost of ten cents on the other side - the “colored” side. Looking back on things like that which were widely accepted by society causes me to wonder what foolish things I accept as normal on a daily basis…
2 years ago • Notes