From Sit-ins to Standing Up: Livingstone’s Legacy of Leadership | Livingstone College
Source: http://livingstone.edu/from-sit-ins-to-standing-up-livingstones-legacy-of-leadership
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:25
From Sit-ins to Standing Up: Livingstone’s Legacy of Leadership | Livingstone College
By Kamari Scales, Junior English Education Scholar
This February marks 100 years since the founding of Negro History Week in 1926, the precursor to what we know as Black History Month— a time of recognition and celebration of the history and culture of Black Americans. At Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), however, that legacy lives on every day. The footsteps of those who fought for opportunity echo across campus, reminding students that their presence is a part of a much larger story of resilience, advocacy, and progress.
At Livingstone College, that history is deeply rooted in the institution’s identity. Since the College’s founding in 1879, Livingstone has served as more than a place of education. It has been a place where students challenged injustice and helped shape the future of their communities. During the Civil Rights Movement, Livingstone students played an active role in pushing Salisbury and surrounding areas towards integration and equality.
On February 27th, 1962, 16 Livingstone College students were arrested for protesting racial segregation at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Salisbury, North Carolina. During this era, segregation laws prohibited Black people from sitting downstairs, forcing them to sit in the balcony seats. After being turned away from one theatre, four Livingstonians managed to buy tickets at the Capitol Theatre and entered the lobby before being stopped by management. Other Livingstone students joined in support, and those arrested spent three nights in jail for their peaceful protest against segregation.
Their actions represented courage in the face of injustice. They risked their freedom to challenge a system designed to exclude them, demonstrating the power of student voices in the fight for equality.
Even the late Samuel Duncan, fifth president of Livingstone College, who served from 1958 to 1968, joined the students in their fight. Alongside his friend Wiley Lash, who later became Salisbury’s first Black mayor, had intentionally challenged segregation by sitting in the downstairs seats at the Capitol Theatre once a week. Their quiet but deliberate acts of resistance reflected a broader movement of Livingstone students and the leadership that stood with them, refusing to accept inequality.
The protest marked a turning point in Salisbury’s history. It was documented as the city’s first Civil Rights protest since the Greensboro sit-ins in 1960, and it contributed to the gradual integration of public spaces. The actions of Livingstone students left a lasting impact not only in Salisbury but on the legacy of the College itself.
The spirit of advocacy continues to live on within Livingstone students today. Whether organizing, speaking out, or working to improve their campus and surrounding community, Livingstone College students continue a proud legacy of leadership and action.
Each year, students engage directly with Salisbury City Council members and local candidates during
Pancakes and Politics
, discussing civic responsibility, voter education, and the power of their voices. Another example of this leadership actually happened recently. Residents of College Park Apartments, an off-campus housing community, rallied for increased safety and security after a series of break-ins over winter break. In response, President Dr. Anthony J. Davis and his administration acted swiftly to address student concerns and prioritize their safety.
From protesting segregation in 1962 to advocating for safer living conditions today, Livingstone College students have consistently demonstrated a commitment to progress. Their actions reflect the enduring values of courage, leadership, and service that define the Livingstone College experience.
Black History Month serves as a time to reflect on the sacrifices and achievements of those who came before us. At Livingstone College, it is also a reminder that students are not only witnesses to history; they are active participants in shaping it. The legacy of those 16 students lives on, inspiring future generations of Livingstone College students to stand up, speak out, and continue the work of building a more just and equitable future.
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By Kamari Scales, Junior English Education Scholar
This February marks 100 years since the founding of Negro History Week in 1926, the precursor to what we know as Black History Month— a time of recognition and celebration of the history and culture of Black Americans. At Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), however, that legacy lives on every day. The footsteps of those who fought for opportunity echo across campus, reminding students that their presence is a part of a much larger story of resilience, advocacy, and progress.
At Livingstone College, that history is deeply rooted in the institution’s identity. Since the College’s founding in 1879, Livingstone has served as more than a place of education. It has been a place where students challenged injustice and helped shape the future of their communities. During the Civil Rights Movement, Livingstone students played an active role in pushing Salisbury and surrounding areas towards integration and equality.
On February 27th, 1962, 16 Livingstone College students were arrested for protesting racial segregation at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Salisbury, North Carolina. During this era, segregation laws prohibited Black people from sitting downstairs, forcing them to sit in the balcony seats. After being turned away from one theatre, four Livingstonians managed to buy tickets at the Capitol Theatre and entered the lobby before being stopped by management. Other Livingstone students joined in support, and those arrested spent three nights in jail for their peaceful protest against segregation.
Their actions represented courage in the face of injustice. They risked their freedom to challenge a system designed to exclude them, demonstrating the power of student voices in the fight for equality.
Even the late Samuel Duncan, fifth president of Livingstone College, who served from 1958 to 1968, joined the students in their fight. Alongside his friend Wiley Lash, who later became Salisbury’s first Black mayor, had intentionally challenged segregation by sitting in the downstairs seats at the Capitol Theatre once a week. Their quiet but deliberate acts of resistance reflected a broader movement of Livingstone students and the leadership that stood with them, refusing to accept inequality.
The protest marked a turning point in Salisbury’s history. It was documented as the city’s first Civil Rights protest since the Greensboro sit-ins in 1960, and it contributed to the gradual integration of public spaces. The actions of Livingstone students left a lasting impact not only in Salisbury but on the legacy of the College itself.
The spirit of advocacy continues to live on within Livingstone students today. Whether organizing, speaking out, or working to improve their campus and surrounding community, Livingstone College students continue a proud legacy of leadership and action.
Each year, students engage directly with Salisbury City Council members and local candidates during
Pancakes and Politics
, discussing civic responsibility, voter education, and the power of their voices. Another example of this leadership actually happened recently. Residents of College Park Apartments, an off-campus housing community, rallied for increased safety and security after a series of break-ins over winter break. In response, President Dr. Anthony J. Davis and his administration acted swiftly to address student concerns and prioritize their safety.
From protesting segregation in 1962 to advocating for safer living conditions today, Livingstone College students have consistently demonstrated a commitment to progress. Their actions reflect the enduring values of courage, leadership, and service that define the Livingstone College experience.
Black History Month serves as a time to reflect on the sacrifices and achievements of those who came before us. At Livingstone College, it is also a reminder that students are not only witnesses to history; they are active participants in shaping it. The legacy of those 16 students lives on, inspiring future generations of Livingstone College students to stand up, speak out, and continue the work of building a more just and equitable future.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
ALUMNI & FRIENDS
FACULTY & STAFF
Anthology
Andrew Carnegie Library
EAB Navigate
ADP | INTRANET
School Dudes
BLACKBOARD
JICS
REQUESTS
I.T. DEPARTMENT
WEBMAIL
LC Self-Service
LC Self-Service Instruction
LC Password Change/Reset
Qualtrics.XM
Digital Vaccination Certificate
Pebbles – Newsletter
Students
2025 Summer & Fall Registration Information
Andrew Carnegie Library
Livingstone APPs Portal
BLACKBOARD
Password Reset
JICS
Final Exam Schedule
Final Exam Schedule (2025 December Graduates)
2025 Fall Final Exam Schedule
RESIDENCE LIFE
HOUSING FEE PAYMENT
STUDENT WEBMAIL
Qualtrics.XM
LC Students FAQs
ADMISSIONS & FINANCIAL AID
ACADEMICS
ATHLETICS
CAMPUS LIFE
Success Center
Honors Program
BLACKBOARD
JICS
OFFICES
EMERGENCY
Campus Police
Health Services
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
Office of the President
Office of Academic Affairs
Office of Athletics
Office of Business and Finance
Office of Marketing and Communications
Office of Human Resource
Office of Institutional Advancement
Office of Public Safety & Campus Police
Office of Student Affairs
COLLEGE AND ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS
Division of Business
Division of Education, Psychology & Social Work
Division of Liberal Arts & Humanities
Division of Mathematics and Science
Division of Hospitality Management
INSTITUTIONAL OFFICES
Andrew Carnegie Library
NC LIVE
Evening & Weekend College
Bookstore
Cashier
Counseling Services
Career Readiness Institute
Financial Aid
Computer Information Systems
Mail & Package Services
Residence Life
Registrar
Student Activities
Spiritual Life
MAKE A GIFT
APPLY NOW
Andrew Carnegie Library
SACSCOC
Livingstone College: CIAA Tour Feb. 24
X
X
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