July 30, 1960: 15 Negroes Arrested
"PETERSBURG, Va., July 30 (UPI) -- Fifteen Negroes were arrested at the Trailways bus terminal here today when they staged two sitdown demonstrations at the white lunch counter.
"Seven other demonstrators were released because they were juveniles.
"The fifteen were arrested on warrants signed by the terminal manager under Virginia's new anti-trespass law, which was adopted by the 1960 General Assembly to curb such protests. It was said to be the first time the new law had been used.
"Seven members of the Petersburg Improvement Association, a local organization formed to desegregate eating facilities, took seats at the white counter and refused to leave. The terminal manager, R. H. Moore, called the police and swore out warrants.
"A few minutes after the first group was arrested a second group of fifteen entered the terminal and took seats at the white counter. Mr. Moore again swore out warrants for the new arrests."
"Seven other demonstrators were released because they were juveniles.
"The fifteen were arrested on warrants signed by the terminal manager under Virginia's new anti-trespass law, which was adopted by the 1960 General Assembly to curb such protests. It was said to be the first time the new law had been used.
"Seven members of the Petersburg Improvement Association, a local organization formed to desegregate eating facilities, took seats at the white counter and refused to leave. The terminal manager, R. H. Moore, called the police and swore out warrants.
"A few minutes after the first group was arrested a second group of fifteen entered the terminal and took seats at the white counter. Mr. Moore again swore out warrants for the new arrests."
posted by Rounder at Sunday, July 30, 2006
0 comments
