Charlotte Protests
1960 Protests
During the five month period of February 9th to July 9th, 1960, there were many peaceful protests. These protests happened anywhere from stores to cafeterias in downtown Charlotte. Protesters had the goal to fully integrate Charlotte and students and adults participated in this step towards integration. People wanted to desegregate theaters, restaurants, public schools, colleges, and other local places. February 10th of 1960, up to forty people per group gathered and protested in various stores downtown. People were arrested and frowned upon, but that didn't stop their protests. Throughout the summer of 1960, there were boycotts, pickets, and sit-ins. Finally, the Mayor Committee agreed to integrate lunch counters. Shortly after, public parks, swimming pools, theaters, and some colleges were finally integrated. Not all of Charlotte was integrated, but this was a big step in the long ladder of achievements.
1963 Protests
In the spring of 1963, Civil rights leaders lead dozens of protesters to march into downtown Charlotte. They threatened to the city leaders that if change did not happen, protests could no longer be peaceful. A couple weeks later, white leaders and civil rights leaders teamed up with the approval of Mayor Stanford Brookshire to desegregate restaurants and hotels. After, the Council of Federated Organizations registered black people to vote. On May 20th, Hawkins organized a march because it was the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. He continued to fight against racial discrimination. In 1964, the Federal Government made a law to desegregate lunch counters but Charlotte was already a year ahead.
During the five month period of February 9th to July 9th, 1960, there were many peaceful protests. These protests happened anywhere from stores to cafeterias in downtown Charlotte. Protesters had the goal to fully integrate Charlotte and students and adults participated in this step towards integration. People wanted to desegregate theaters, restaurants, public schools, colleges, and other local places. February 10th of 1960, up to forty people per group gathered and protested in various stores downtown. People were arrested and frowned upon, but that didn't stop their protests. Throughout the summer of 1960, there were boycotts, pickets, and sit-ins. Finally, the Mayor Committee agreed to integrate lunch counters. Shortly after, public parks, swimming pools, theaters, and some colleges were finally integrated. Not all of Charlotte was integrated, but this was a big step in the long ladder of achievements.
1963 Protests
In the spring of 1963, Civil rights leaders lead dozens of protesters to march into downtown Charlotte. They threatened to the city leaders that if change did not happen, protests could no longer be peaceful. A couple weeks later, white leaders and civil rights leaders teamed up with the approval of Mayor Stanford Brookshire to desegregate restaurants and hotels. After, the Council of Federated Organizations registered black people to vote. On May 20th, Hawkins organized a march because it was the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. He continued to fight against racial discrimination. In 1964, the Federal Government made a law to desegregate lunch counters but Charlotte was already a year ahead.