Page 46 - Paths to Change

About the Text This visual text shows three civil rights activists, including Laurence Henry (Howard University student and leader of the Nonviolent Action Group) and Dion Diamond, protesting segregation at drug store lunch counters by sitting at a segregated lunch counter inside of the Cherrydale Drug Fair in Arlington, Virginia in June of 1960. Ultimately, the campaign was successful and this location and five other local lunch counters in the Washington, D.C. suburbs agreed to desegregate and allow Blacks to dine in their establishments. Note that the protestors were met with counter-protestors who were a part of an American Nazi group. The tension in the photograph and the presence of both sides of the fight in one still is an important topic to address during discussion, particularly what the presence of the other party says about the impact of the sit-ins. Encourage students to consider who is participating in the protests. Non-Black allies have played a role in movements for racial justice since their inception and their participation has been met with varying levels of acceptance from skepticism to appreciation. Finally, challenge students to consider the experience of Black diners at restaurants in modern society – how much has changed? Has anything remained the same? Student Questions & Sample Responses 1. Who is shown in the photograph? Protestors/activists are shown seated at the counter, with Neo-Nazi Party demonstrators behind them. 2. Based on the photograph, summarize the picketer’s (the men holding the signs) position on desegregation. The demonstrators are arguing that Blacks should not be allowed to sit at the lunch counter because they are not equal to the white patrons. 3. How is this protest different from protests seen during the spring and summer of 2020? This protest does not appear to involve speaking, chanting, or movement. Protestors are simply seated as though they assume everyone is clear why they are there since they have chosen a place they are not normally allowed. Protests seen in 2020, are more vocal and protesting often involves marches and signs with demands. 4. How does this document help you understand why people choose protesting as a way to force change in society? Text 9: Arlington, VA Sit-In Photograph Educator Guide The Black Inquiry Project 45