Here’s an overview of Joseph McNeil Civil Rights activist, U.S. Air Force officer
Biography
Full Name: Joseph Alfred McNeil
Born: March 25, 1942, in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA
Known For: Civil Rights activist, U.S. Air Force officer, and one of the Greensboro Four
Role in the Civil Rights Movement
On February 1, 1960, while a freshman at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T), McNeil and three fellow students — Ezell Blair Jr. (Jibreel Khazan), Franklin McCain, and David Richmond — staged a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Their peaceful protest challenged racial segregation and sparked the sit-in movement across the United States.
This act became one of the most iconic moments of the Civil Rights Movement, inspiring thousands of students nationwide.
Military Career
After college, McNeil joined the U.S. Air Force and served for over 20 years, retiring with the rank of Major General in the Air Force Reserve.
His service emphasized leadership, discipline, and dedication to public duty.
Legacy & Recognition
Honored with numerous awards for his activism and military service.
The Woolworth’s site in Greensboro is now the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, preserving the legacy of the Greensboro Four.
McNeil continues to be celebrated as a symbol of courage, youth activism, and social change.
