GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — The City of Greensboro is coming together to mourn a member of the Greensboro Four and giant of civil rights after his passing last week.
Major General Joseph McNeil died at the age of 83 last week. McNeil was one of four Black freshmen from the Agricultural and Technical College of North Carolina, today known as North Carolina A&T State University, who sat down at the segregated lunch counter at the Woolworth’s in downtown Greensboro and asked to be served on Feb. 1, 1960. When staff refused to serve them, they refused to leave.
A memorial is being held for McNeil at his alma mater on Thursday. The ceremony will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and can be viewed in the player above. FOX8 will be covering the event live.
Remembering McNeil
“McNeil’s bravery and determination significantly sparked the civil rights movement across the United States. His military service and achievements as a major general in the Air Force Reserve Command further exemplify his dedication to service and country,” his family shared in a release upon the announcement of his death…