Civil Rights Leaders: ‘Preserve the Read’s Drug Store Site!’
Way back on January 20, 1955, the Read’s Drug store in Baltimore, Maryland, located at Howard and Lexington Streets, became part of the history of the Civil Rights Moment in a then-highly segregated America.
Seven African-American students from Morgan State U., including the now Dr. Helena Hicks, went into the store and conducted a brief sit-in demonstration. That action soon became a precedent, which, among other actions, influenced the Read’s Drug Store company to rescind its segregation policy. Dr. Helena Hicks returned Wednesday to the site to participate in a press conference. The store has been closed for many years. The African-American community fear that this historic site will be demolished by the City of Baltimore with little or no notice to concerned parties.
Dr. Hicks urged, as did other speakers, that the site be preserved as a “Civil Rights Memorial” and called on the Mayor, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake to do her duty. Also speaking on this video, are: Marvin “Doc” Cheatham and Elder C D Witherspoon. After the press conference, Elder Witherspoon sharply exchanged views on the issue with one of the Mayor’s aides.
Please see my Facebook page for more photos of the event.
Bill Hughes is an attorney, author, actor and photographer. His latest book is “Byline Baltimore.” It can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/William-Hughes/e/B00N7MGPXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1