On February 28 in 1960, nine young men from Chapel Hill’s all-black high school organized a sit-in at the Colonial Drug Store on Franklin Street.
These 16 to 18-year-olds from Lincoln High were arrested for seeking the same service that was given to white customers. As their efforts sparked a decade of direct-action civil rights demonstrations in Chapel Hill, these students became known as the ‘Chapel Hill Nine.’
The group consisted of Harold Foster, William Cureton, John Farrington, Earl Geer, David Mason Jr., Clarence Merritt Jr., James Merritt, Douglas Perry and Albert Williams.
Sixty years after their sit-in, the Town of Chapel Hill installed a marker to commemorate this historic, civil rights event at 450 West Franklin Street.
Chapel Hill Nine Historical Marker
“As we strive to tell the whole story of our town’s journey to be a more just and inclusive community, we owe the Chapel Hill Nine and many others a debt of gratitude for leading us forward with courage,” Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger said.
To learn more about the Chapel Hill Nine, visit Chapel Hill’s Community History website.
