Standing Up for Justice: Student-Led Activism in the Triangle
Introduction to Activism
“It doesn’t take a hero to stand up for what’s right.” This powerful sentiment encapsulates the spirit of student activism during the civil rights movement. While names like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X often dominate historical narratives, countless students across the Triangle region took matters into their own hands, leading protests and advocating for change. This Black History Month, we delve into some lesser-known yet pivotal moments of local student protests, celebrating these unsung heroes who stood against injustice.
The Duke Allen Takeover
Duke University, a cornerstone of higher education in the region, has a storied history of student activism. Although the campus was officially desegregated in 1963, a climate of racial tension persisted. In response, the Afro-American Society was formed in 1967, bringing together Black students to address systemic racism and improve their circumstances on campus. After years of unmet demands, frustrations boiled over.
On February 13, 1969, around 50 members of the Afro-American Society took a bold step by occupying the Allen Building. They barricaded themselves inside, delivering a poignant statement to the Duke Chronicle: “We seized the building because we have been negotiating with the Duke administration and faculty concerning different issues that affect Black students for 2.5 years. We have no meaningful results.” Support from a hundred white students outside signaled a broad coalition, and though the protest ended with clashes involving the Durham police—resulting in injuries and arrests—the event stood out for fostering unity among students.
Though immediate administrative changes were not enacted, the incident ignited a sense of solidarity. The administration later established an African American studies program, but perhaps the most significant outcome was the strengthened resolve among students. The lasting legacy of the Allen occupation continues to inspire students at Duke today to courageously advocate for their beliefs.
The Village District Sit-Ins
Flashback to February 10, 1960, when 130 African American students from Shaw University and Saint Augustine’s College marched into eight segregated establishments in downtown Raleigh. Their actions came just days after the historic Greensboro sit-ins, exemplifying a nationwide surge in youth activism.
Raleigh’s Mayor William G. Enloe dismissed the protests as “regrettable,” fearing they would sour the city’s seemingly amicable race relations. However, contrary to his predictions, the sit-in movement gathered momentum. By 1964, it had spread throughout the South, culminating in the passage of the Civil Rights Act that outlawed segregation.
The Village District Sit-Ins were not just isolated protests; they catalyzed the formation of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in April 1960 during a leadership conference held at Shaw University. This new organization arose from the recognition that students deserved a platform reflective of their values and strategies, distinct from the established Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). SNCC played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, engaging in sit-ins, Freedom Rides, and campaigns for voting rights until its dissolution in 1970.
Enloe Activism: A Legacy of Leadership
Enloe High School, notable as the first integrated high school south of the Mason-Dixon line, boasts a rich tradition of student activism. Students there have continually upheld the banner of equality and justice. Lisa Thompson, Enloe’s magnet coordinator, reflects on this ethos, affirming, “I think that kids that leave Enloe are leaving here with a very open mind … This type of environment is even more important for young people, to see that you really can work together.”
In 2020, amidst national protests following George Floyd’s death, Enloe students Victoria Harris and Yakob Lemma reignited the activist spirit by founding the Wake County Black Student Coalition (WCBSC). Their goal? To advocate for the removal of School Resource Officers (SROs) in favor of social workers and counselors, arguing that SROs often perpetuate racial biases rather than ensuring student safety. Their movement swiftly gained momentum, attracting around 200 members in its inaugural year, and received significant media attention.
Simultaneously, a group led by Jasmin Loraine Benas, Srivani Edupuganti, Teya Franks, and Reagan Razon gathered over 7,000 signatures on a petition demanding the same reform. Their efforts highlight a continuum of student-led activism deeply rooted in the Triangle’s history of civil rights advocacy.
The Power of Student Activism
Today, student activism remains a vital component of ongoing social justice efforts. The legacy of those who stood up in the past serves as a powerful reminder of the impact young voices can have on the world. As Lisa Thompson aptly states, “This is a cliché statement, but you know you guys are the future.”
Far from being relegated to black-and-white photographs of a bygone era, the narrative of student protest continues to unfold in vibrant color. While many of the specific struggles may have shifted—diner counters are now integrated and petitions are filed—today’s students still draw inspiration from the courageous protests of their predecessors. Whether in marches, petitions, or discussions, the commitment to stand up for what is right remains a living testament to the power of youth activism in shaping society.
