Four black freshmen at North Carolina A&T State University, Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil, Ezell Blair, Jr., and David Richmond, take seats at the segregated lunch counter of F. W. Woolworth's in Greensboro, N.C. After being refused service they sit peacefully until the store is closed. They return the next day, along with about 25 other students, and their requests are again denied. The Greensboro Four inspire similar sit-ins across the South.

King moves to Atlanta, to become co-pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church and have more time and a better location to direct the Southwide campaigns of the SCLC.