The sit-in movement began on February 1, 1960, in Greensboro, North Carolina, when four Black students staged a peaceful protest at a segregated lunch counter. This movement rapidly expanded to over 70,000 participants across 20 states, leading to the desegregation of numerous businesses. Sit-ins as a form of protest had earlier origins, first utilized during the United Automobile Workers’ strike against General Motors in 1937.
In Baton Rouge, the movement gained traction on March 28, 1960, with seven students from Southern University initiating a sit-in at the Kress Department Store lunch counter. The following day, another demonstration took place at Sitman’s Drug Store, where two students, John Burrell Garner and Vernon J. Jordan, were arrested. Concurrently, a rally at Southern University featured theology student Major Johns, who passionately spoke about civil rights and equality.
Later that day, another protest unfolded at the Greyhound Bus Station, leading to the arrest of seven more Southern University students. Police reports stated that the demonstrators remained peaceful, sitting at the counter for only 10 to 15 minutes before officers arrived. Mack Hayes Jones, one of those arrested, emphasized the students' desire for dignity and equal rights.
The sit-ins sparked significant political and social resistance. Louisiana Governor Earl K. Long condemned the demonstrations and dismissed their legitimacy. The Baton Rouge City Council unanimously rejected a request to hire Black police officers, and tensions escalated when a cross was burned outside the home of a Southern University employee. Despite the challenges, 800 to 1,000 students marched to the state capitol in protest of segregation, though 18 were later suspended or expelled for their involvement.
A rally on Swan Street near the railroad tracks saw expelled leader Major Johns urging all 5,000 students at Southern University to resign in protest. Marvin Robinson, a prominent student leader, criticized those who accepted segregation, declaring that they were either scared, profiting from segregation, or dishonest about their stance.
The arrested students were placed under a $1,500 bond, which their lawyer, John A. Jones, argued was excessive. Local civil rights leaders, including Rev. T. J. Jemison, helped secure their release. The Baton Rouge Morning Advocate editorialized against boycotts, warning of economic repercussions, while protestors continued to emphasize their right to equal treatment.
The Baton Rouge sit-ins were a crucial yet often overlooked chapter in the broader civil rights movement. These protests demonstrated the courage of Southern University students who faced arrests, expulsions, and public condemnation in their pursuit of justice. Their efforts contributed to the national momentum for desegregation and underscored the importance of nonviolent resistance in achieving social change.
On March 30, 2023, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism unveiled a new Civil Rights Trailer marker located outside the Kress building. It's located on Third Street.
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