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Sit-In | Stand Out
A Project Recognizing the 50th Anniversary
Of the Thalhimers Lunch Counter Sit-In
February 17-22
On February 20, 1960, more than 200 students from Virginia Union University walked from the Lombardy Street campus to the shopping district along Broad and Grace Streets. Once there, they entered the "Whites Only" lunch counter at Thalhimers Department Store and were refused service, though they remained in their seats until the store closed.
Two days later, 34 VUU students returned to Thalhimers and were again refused service. This time around, they were arrested for trespassing at the request of store management. The students became known as the Richmond 34, a reference to their place in the Civil Rights Movement as sit-ins became a form of peaceful protest against segregationist policies.
Over time, Thalhimers responded by integrating its facilities, and other local businesses followed. The 1964 U.S. Civil Rights Act outlawed racial discrimination in schools, public spaces, and in places of employment.
On February 22, 2010, Richmond CenterStage will host Sit-In|Stand Out, an event honoring the 50th anniversary of the Sit-In at the Thalhimers building, now a part of the Richmond CenterStage downtown performing arts center. In addition, Virginia Union University will host a series of lectures, performances and commemoratory events from February 17-22.
Calendar of Events (condensed)
Friday, February 19
RICHMOND CENTERSTAGE EVENT
8:00 p.m.
Othello
Richmond Shakespeare with African American Repertory Theatre
Richmond CenterStage Gottwald Playhouse
Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com
Saturday, February 20
Virginia Union University
8:00 p.m.
VUU Players' special production of Lumpkin's Jail by Gregory Thornewell -
VUU Belgian Building Theater
Tickets can be purchased at VUU
Sunday, February 21
Virginia Union University
2:30 p.m. Commemoration Marker Ceremony at VUU
Free and Open to Public
Monday, February 22
10:00 a.m. -- 12:00 p.m.
Education Forum moderated by Sheila Johnson with representatives of "Richmond 34", students from partner schools and the Thalhimer family
Richmond CenterStage Carpenter Theatre
Sponsored by Genworth Financial and Dominion
12:30 p.m. -- 2:00 p.m.
"Courage to Stand Up--Yesterday's Lessons for Today" Luncheon at Richmond Marriott Downtown, with members of the Richmond 34, Mayor Dwight C. Jones, VUU President Dr. Claude Perkins and other distinguished guests
For the Greater Richmond Community
Tables of 10 can be purchased for $2,500 or $3,000 (to include the evening's performances) or individual tickets can be purchased for $250 or $300/person respectively. For more information or to purchase tickets call Diane at 804-327-5752.
Sponsored by Altria
2:30 p.m. -- 3:30 p.m.
Commemoration of Historic Marker at Richmond CenterStage
6th & Broad Streets
Free and Open to Public
7 p.m.
Sit-In|Stand Out Evening Performances
Amaranth Contemporary Dance, "Equalizing the Lines: Prelude to a New Dream"
And
"An Evening of Reflection with John Legend"
Richmond CenterStage Carpenter Theatre
Tickets $29-$150
For more information, or to purchase tickets call 804-592-3363 or 804-327-5752 by February 15.
Sponsored by SunTrust
Sit-In | Stand Out
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2.9.2010
