Black History: Special Delivery!
The Dockum Drug Store Sit-In was the first major organized sit-in protest against racial segregation in the United States. Taking place in Wichita, Kansas, in July 1958, this protest predated the more widely recognized Greensboro, North Carolina, sit-ins by nearly two years. Though largely overlooked in history, the Dockum Sit-In was a pivotal moment in the fight for racial equality, setting the stage for future demonstrations.
At the time, segregation was enforced in many public spaces across the U.S., including in so-called “free states” like Kansas. Dockum Drug Store, part of the Rexall chain, refused to serve Black customers at its lunch counter. Black patrons could buy food but were required to take it outside rather than being permitted to sit and eat like white customers. Frustrated by this injustice, about 30 Black youth from the local NAACP Youth Council, led by Ronald Walters and Carolyn Daniels, decided to take action (Williams, 2018).
The students, ages 15 to 20, planned a nonviolent sit-in. They took shifts sitting at the counter daily, quietly ordering food and refusing to leave. Each day, they were ignored by staff and met with resistance from white customers, but they remained steadfast (Gordon, 2008).
As the sit-in continued for three weeks, the store began feeling financial strain. Not only were Black customers boycotting, but white customers also started avoiding the store. Some white patrons, unwilling to sit near Black students or uncomfortable with the growing tension, chose to shop elsewhere. This double loss of revenue increased pressure on the business.
Finally, on July 19, 1958, the store manager gave in. He instructed staff to serve Black customers just like white customers, effectively ending segregation at that location. Soon after, the entire Rexall chain in Kansas followed suit (Klein, 2010).
Despite its significance, the Dockum Sit-In received little national attention, often overshadowed by the Greensboro sit-ins of 1960. However, it laid the groundwork for future civil rights protests. Some historians believe news of the Dockum victory spread within civil rights circles, possibly influencing the Greensboro Four, who launched their famous sit-in two years later. Greensboro’s success sparked a nationwide wave of sit-ins, leading to widespread lunch counter desegregation.
The Dockum Sit-In demonstrates that civil rights activism was not confined to the South. It also highlights how economic pressure and youth-led activism were powerful tools in challenging racist practices.
Several participants went on to make lasting contributions. Ronald Walters became a leading political scientist, civil rights activist, and advisor to Jesse Jackson’s presidential campaigns. Carolyn Daniels remained active in civil rights efforts and helped preserve the history of the Dockum Sit-In. Doris Kerr McGhee continued her civic activism and educated younger generations.
Among the known participants were Ronald Walters, Carolyn Daniels, Doris Gentry Kerr McGhee, Alvin Louis Walton, Cleo Wilkes, Jessie Johnson, and Arthinia Bates. They were part of approximately 30 students who took shifts over three weeks to sustain the protest. Their collective action reshaped the civil rights movement, proving that even young activists could challenge and dismantle segregation.
Another installment of melanated mail has been delivered. Ponder, reflect, and pass it on.
Sources:
- Gordon, L. (2008). Civil Rights Pioneers: The Untold Stories of Early Activism. New York: Beacon Press.
- Klein, J. (2010). Before Greensboro: The Forgotten Sit-Ins That Changed America. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
- Williams, R. (2018). The Youth Who Challenged Segregation: A History of the Dockum Drug Store Sit-In. Atlanta: Black History Press.
