On January 31, 1961, ten black students from Friendship Junior College in Rock Hill, SC walked into McCrory's, sat at the lunch counter, and ordered hamburgers and soft drinks. They were denied service and asked to leave. After refusing to leave, the students were arrested for trespassing and processed. In previous sit-ins, protestors were arrested for trespassing, processed by the police, fined and released from custody. When the 10 Friendship student-protestors appeared in court, the judge offered bail for their release or jail time. The students opted to serve 30 days in jail. They were convicted and did not pay the $100 fine. (One student posted bail four days later). From that point, the concept of "Jail, No Bail" became the new strategy for the civil rights protest movement. The Friendship Nine' s choice of jail was considered a hard-line action at the time and subsequently galvanized the civil rights protest movement resulting in an outpouring of nationwide support of their effort. Narrated by award-winning actor Keith David, this 30-minute long documentary is a poignant examination of the personal trials and adversities that tested the character and resolve of this group of young men who, through non-violent protest, helped compel a nation to abandon segregationist practices between the races. The program dramatically moves through this event and shares revelations from members of the Friendship Nine, citing never-before-told specifics of this historic sit-in.
Broadcast In: English Duration: 0:26:47