Sit-ins, Wade-ins, and Pray-ins

In many parts of the United States in the 1950s and 1960s, and particularly within the south, various public buildings were designated as either “white” or “black.” It was not unheard of for various restaurants, public pools, beaches, libraries, stores, and even churches to adhere to this unfair segregation. To peacefully protest this injustice, many civil rights activists would "sit in" at segregated places of business and calmly ask for service, which was usually denied. These brave activists often faced threats of violence, intimidation, and insults throughout this process.

Below are some notable examples of sit-ins, wade-ins, and pray-ins during the Civil Rights Movement.

Notable Examples