The Dockum Drugstore Sit-In

In July 1958, Black students gathered at downtown Wichita's Dockum Drugstore to stage a peaceful protest against the unequal practice of segregation. Tired of being denied access to the city's movie theaters and restaurants, students took action and turned their attention to the lunch counter at the popular drugstore. What happened during the three-week sit-in? What caused it to end? And why was its importance recognized by so few at the time? This presentation discusses the details of the sit-in, explores how these protests helped transform the struggle for racial equality in America, and considers contemporary nonviolent protests.

Sponsored by: Winfield Public Library

Funded project of Humanities Kansas, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.