Local Government FCU Underwrites UNC Mural Commemorating Civil Rights Incident

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The University of North Carolina unveiled a 50-foot painting commemorating the Greensboro lunch counter sit-in of 1960, courtesy of Local Government FCU.

The $1 billion credit union underwrote the first in a series of murals that will commemorate the contributions of African-Americans and Native Americans to the state. The mural showcases 40 individuals and more than eight events symbolizing North Carolina’s African-American history associated with civil rights, government, business, journalism and education. The painting shows a gathering of African-American leaders at the counter of a diner not unlike Woolworth’s.

The artist, Colin Quashie of Charleston, S.C., featured the Greensboro Four – Joseph McNeil, David Richmond, Jibreel Khazan (formerly known as Ezell Blair Jr.) and Franklin McCain – students from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University who took part in the lunch counter sit-ins in Greensboro – as chefs.

“The decision to fund this project was a no-brainer for us,” said Maurice Smith, president of the credit union. “Our mission is to improve the lives of North Carolinians. Sometimes we do that by offering affordable financial services; sometimes, by setting an example. This is truly a proud moment for the credit union and for me personally.”

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