Member of 'Greensboro Four' Shares Story with Lynbrook Students

History was recently brought to life at the Lynbrook Public Schools’ Marion Street Elementary School during a lesson about the Civil Rights Movement that featured special guest Joseph McNeil.

Third-grade students had the opportunity to hear about this important leader’s experiences and then put themselves into the shoes of well-known historical figures that have made a difference in our country.

This was the 24th anniversary of Mr. McNeil sharing his story with the children of Lynbrook. Several classes from Waverly Park and West End elementary schools joined the audience of Marion Street students in the auditorium.

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After a warm introduction from third-grade teacher Steven Freifeld, Mr. McNeil described the Greensboro Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-ins that he participated in 45 years ago. Mr. McNeil and three friends became known as the “Greensboro Four” when they refused to leave the dining area until they were served during a time of racial inequality and discrimination. Through the efforts of individuals such as Mr. McNeil, equal rights were eventually enforced across the United States.

Throughout his presentation, Mr. McNeil emphasized the ways people can make a difference.

“Human dignity is about showing respect for each other,” he said. “We don’t tolerate negative behaviors such as bullying.”

Students showed their appreciation for Mr. McNeil by presenting a Civil Rights Museum skit, which featured several impactful pioneers of equality who helped the nation become what it is today. Children portrayed the roles of Mahatma Ghandi, Nelson Mandela, Susan B. Anthony, Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Owens and Jackie Robinson. Between narrations, they performed songs based on the themes of freedom and making a difference.

“Mr. McNeil has been making time to come back to Marion Street and talk, not just about what he did 45 years ago, but about what we can do now to make the world a better place,” Mr. Freifeld said. The children also watched a brief video about the Civil Rights Movement and participated in a question-and-answer session with Mr. McNeil.

Submitted by Lynbrook Schools

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