Recognizing the significance of the Greensboro Four sit-in during Black History Month.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1040
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-05: Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-24T09:05:52Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1040) aims to honor the 66th anniversary of the Greensboro Four sit-in on February 1, 1960, which marked the start of a key civil rights protest against racial segregation. It ties this event to Black History Month, celebrating the contributions of Black Americans to U.S. history and culture.
Key Provisions
- Background Context: The resolution outlines the historical facts, including:
- The Greensboro Four—Joseph McNeil, Jibreel Khazan (formerly Ezell Blair, Jr.), Franklin McCain, and David Richmond—were students at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
- They were denied service at a Woolworth cafeteria due to segregation laws and customs.
- Their peaceful sit-in inspired a broader movement, joined by students from nearby colleges (including women from Bennett College and Greensboro Women's College), spreading nationwide with over 700,000 participants (Black and White, including students, clergy, and citizens).
- The protests led to more than 3,000 arrests but remained nonviolent, resulting in the Woolworth lunch counter's integration on July 26, 1960.
- Actions by the House:
- Recognizes the Greensboro Four's role in sparking student involvement in the civil rights movement, leading to the formation of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), a group focused on nonviolent activism.
- Affirms that racial and ethnic diversity strengthens the United States.
- Highlights the ongoing value of sit-ins as a nonviolent method for driving social change.
- Urges all states to incorporate the history and contributions of the Greensboro Four into school curricula.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, not a law, so it introduces no changes to existing statutes or policies. It serves as a formal statement of recognition by the House of Representatives.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Increases public awareness of civil rights history, potentially fostering greater appreciation for diversity and nonviolent activism among students and the general public.
- On Government Agencies and Education: Encourages state education departments to update curricula, which could lead to more inclusive teaching of Black history without mandating federal funding or enforcement.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it reinforces the U.S. commitment to civil rights, which could positively influence global perceptions of American values.
- Overall, the effects are symbolic and educational, promoting cultural reflection rather than enforceable requirements.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Greensboro Four and Civil Rights Activists: Honored for their legacy, potentially inspiring ongoing advocacy.
- Black American Community: Benefits from heightened recognition of their historical contributions during Black History Month.
- Educators and Students: Affected by the encouragement to include this event in school lessons, promoting broader historical education.
- State Governments and Schools: Urged to revise curricula, though implementation is voluntary.
- General Public: Gains from increased emphasis on diversity and nonviolent resistance as national strengths.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: No direct legal effects, as resolutions like this do not create enforceable law. It aligns with the First Amendment's protection of free speech and assembly, echoing the nonviolent protests it commemorates.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support for civil rights education (introduced by a diverse group of representatives and referred to committees on Education and the Judiciary). It could influence future discussions on history curricula amid debates over teaching racial history in schools, promoting unity around shared American values without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (35)
Rep. Ivey, Glenn [D-MD-4], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6], Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-05: Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-02-05: Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-02-05: Submitted in House
- 2026-02-05: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the significance of the Greensboro Four sit-in during Black History Month. — issued 2026-02-05 — PDF (3 pages)