Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism unveiled the 14th marker on the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail in New Orleans on Tuesday, commemorating the historic Canal Street sit-ins and boycotts that helped advance the Civil Rights Movement in Louisiana and across the nation.
The marker, located near the former McCrory’s Five and Dime store at 1001 Canal Street, recognizes the student-led lunch counter sit-ins at both McCrory’s and F.W. Woolworth’s, as well as the organized boycotts of segregated businesses that refused to serve Black customers or hire Black employees.
“The Louisiana Civil Rights Trail tells the stories of courageous individuals whose actions changed our state and our nation for the better,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “The brave students and activists who stood up against segregation on Canal Street showed extraordinary determination and sacrifice, and this marker ensures their legacy will continue to inspire future generations and commemorate their courage and determination in moving the Louisiana civil rights movement forward. Their perseverance helped reshape New Orleans and became part of a larger movement that transformed our country.”
Canal Street served as a major focal point for lunch counter sit-ins and protests during the Civil Rights Movement. In September 1960, New Orleans’ first sit-in took place at the F.W. Woolworth’s Department Store at Canal and North Rampart streets. One week later, students participating in a sit-in at McCrory’s were arrested and charged following the demonstration. The group became known as “the CORE Four.”
The McCrory’s sit-in gained national significance when the convictions were overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark case Lombard v. Louisiana. Although New Orleans had no formal segregation ordinances, statements by then-Mayor Chep Morrison opposing the sit-ins factored into the Court’s decision. Chief Justice Earl Warren wrote, “These convictions, commanded as they were by the voice of the state directing segregated service at the restaurant, cannot stand.”
For more than two years, activists picketed 75 Canal Street businesses, demanding the desegregation of eating and restroom facilities and increased employment opportunities for Black residents. Protesters called for merchants to hire 90 Black employees in 75 days. While change did not come quickly, the boycott ultimately succeeded after 735 days.
The Canal Street marker is also part of the national U.S. Civil Rights Trail, which highlights significant locations connected to the American Civil Rights Movement.
The Louisiana Civil Rights Trail marker unveiled today reads:
Canal Street Sit-Ins and Protests
Canal Street was a main thoroughfare for sit-ins and boycotts during the Civil Rights Movement. In 1960, New Orleans’ first sit-in took place at F.W. Woolworth’s Department Store on the corner of Canal and N. Rampart streets. A week later at a sit-in at McCrory’s on Canal Street, a group of students, “the CORE Four,” were arrested and convicted of criminal mischief. On a national level, the McCrory’s sit-in is more widely known because the convictions were overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in Lombard v Louisiana. For the next two years, 75 stores on Canal Street were picketed as activists demanded the desegregation of eating and restroom facilities, and for merchants to hire 90 black employees in 75 days. It took 735 days, but the boycott ultimately succeeded.
