Franklin McCain

Franklin McCain
Born	(1931-01-03)January 3, 1931 Union County, North Carolina, U.S.
Died	January 9, 2014(2014-01-09) (aged 83) Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Civil Rights Activist
Known for	Greensboro sit-ins

Franklin Eugene McCain (January 3, 1931 – January 9, 2014) was an American civil rights activist and one of the original members of the Greensboro sit-ins, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.

Early Life and Education

Franklin McCain was born in Union County, North Carolina. He grew up in Washington, D.C., where he attended public schools. McCain later attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T), where he studied chemistry and biology.

Greensboro Sit-ins

Main article: Greensboro sit-ins

On February 1, 1960, Franklin McCain, along with Ezell Blair Jr., David Richmond, and Joseph McNeil, initiated a sit-in at a Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. This act of nonviolent protest was aimed at challenging the policy of racial segregation in the Southern United States.

The four men, later known as the "Greensboro Four", sat at the "whites-only" counter and politely asked for service. When they were refused, they remained seated in protest. Their actions sparked a wave of similar sit-ins across the country, becoming a significant catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement.

Later Life and Legacy

After the sit-ins, McCain continued his education and graduated from NC A&T. He went on to have a successful career as a chemist and worked for the Celanese Corporation in Charlotte, North Carolina.

McCain remained active in civil rights advocacy throughout his life. He served on the board of trustees for NC A&T and was involved in various community organizations.

In recognition of his contributions to civil rights, McCain received numerous awards and honors. The site of the original sit-in is now the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, which commemorates the actions of McCain and his fellow activists.

Death

Franklin McCain passed away on January 9, 2014, in Greensboro, North Carolina, at the age of 73. His legacy continues to inspire new generations in the fight for equality and justice.

See Also

• Civil Rights Movement
• Greensboro Four
• Sit-in movement

References

• "Franklin McCain, Civil Rights Icon, Dies at 73." The New York Times. January 10, 2014.
• "The Greensboro Sit-ins: Launch of a Civil Rights Movement." Smithsonian Institution.

External Links

• International Civil Rights Center & Museum