In recognition of the 60th Anniversary of what has now been officially recognized as the first successful lunch counter sit-in in America, Wichitans gathered to honor participants of the Dockum Sit-in.
From July 19 to Aug. 11, 1958, a group of Wichita Branch NAACP youth decided to act to bring about change.
“Negroes” were not allowed to eat at any lunch counter in Wichita. They had to stand at the end of the counter, place their order, and take it to go.
At some point in life, you recognize it’s time for a change, and time had come for the youth of the NAACP. Youth President Ron Walters discussed their idea with Wichita Branch President Chester Lewis, and the branch Youth Leader Rosie Hughes, and received their blessings.
What they didn’t receive was the blessing of the National NAACP.
Despite National’s opposition, the group decided to go ahead with their action and after several weeks of training and practice, it was on.
During a period of three weeks the NAACP youth, dressed in their Sunday best, would take shifts entering the store and politely sit at the lunch counter waiting to be served.
Through taunts and harassment by other customers, they patiently, silently and perhaps even prayerfully, just sat. They sat until the owner of Dockum’s came in and said, “Serve them, I’m losing too much money.” They were served. They had beaten the system.
On Aug. 11, 2018, exactly 60 years after their hard-earned victory, the Wichita Branch NAACP celebrated the accomplishments of these brave young people. The celebration took place less than a block from the site of the sit-in in the Chester I. Lewis Reflection Square Park, named in honor of the then president of the branch. Lewis died in 1990, but his daughter Brenda Lewis Davis and other members of his family were in attendance. Hughes, who turned 97 just weeks ago, was unable to attend.
Walters, who went on to earn his Ph.d, died in 2010. Dr. Walters led a successful life as an author, speaker and scholar of African-American politics. He was director of the African American Leadership Institute and Scholar Practitioner Program at the University of Maryland. Walters also served as a political analyst on various news programs and served as manager on Jessie Jackson’s campaign for president.
Several of the community’s dignitaries were on hand to thank the sit-in participants including, Mayor Jeff Longwell, Senator Oletha Faust Goudeau, Rep. KC Ohaebosim and Rep. Gail Finney.
Wichita State University’s office of Diversion and Inclusion presented each of the participants a certificate of appreciation. The Wichita Chapter of Omega Psi Phi presented a plaque with the names of known participants of the sit-in to the Wichita Branch NAACP. The plaque will be displayed at the NAACP Office.
The Wichita Branch NAACP will also honor the participants at their Freedom Fund Banquet to be held Oct. 27, 2018 at the Marriott Hotel.