In celebration of Black History Month, we are sharing an article written by Kamara Horton, dental assistant in our Pediatric Dental Clinic, honoring her grandfather, William “Billy” Smith, who participated in the Greensboro lunch counter sit-in in 1960. The series of nonviolent protests is considered a catalyst to the subsequent sit-in movement during the Civil Rights Movement. A commemoration of the historic event, including a photo of Smith during the sit-in, now sits on display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C.

On February 2, 1960, students from North Carolina A&T University including Joseph McNeil, Franklin McCain, William “Billy” Smith, Clarence Henderson and others participated in the second day of lunch counter sit-ins at the Woolworth in Greensboro, NC. These gentlemen, along with other individuals, sacrificed so much for justice and freedom for all. I’m honored to be the granddaughter of one of those four men photographed while sitting at the counter that day in Greensboro. 

Growing up, my mother explained to my twin sister and I at a very young age about the impact my grandfather Billy Smith had by simply sitting peacefully at the counter with others, participating in a non-violent protest at the Greensboro Woolworth. At that time, the Greensboro Woolworth accepted money from African Americans, but they had to leave once their purchase was finalized. They simply weren’t allowed to sit down and be served at the lunch counter.

These non-violent sit-in protests lasted from February 1 to July 25. On July 25, the sit-ins ended with four African American employees of the Greensboro Woolworth’s being asked by their manager to change out of their work clothes, change into their everyday attire, sit at the counter, and make history by being the first African Americans served at the segregated lunch counter. Fast forward to four years later in 1964, it was mandatory that all businesses desegregate.

If you take a moment and observe the students, staff, administrators and faculty here at Virginia Commonwealth University, you can appreciate the diversity. I have met or conversed with individuals of different races, ethnicities and religions here at VCU more than I ever have in my entire life. It’s truly a miraculous thing to see so many different people working together for the good of the community. Sure, you may be a different color than your classmate or practice a different religion than your coworker, but if you close your eyes and place your hand on your chest, you can feel your heart beating. It’s the beauty of life signifying that we are all similar but from different walks of life.

Everyday, but especially during Black History Month, it is such an incredible feeling knowing that my grandfather was a part of an impactful and historic Civil Rights Movement that paved the way for all of us today. Unfortunately, my grandfather is no longer with us. However, I’m at peace knowing that he lived such a life to make the life we live today better for all.