THE NASHVILLE SIT-INS

October 2025

Anatomy of a protest

THE SEGREGATED UNITED STATES

In 1896, the Plessy v. Ferguson ruling legalized segregation in the U.S., ratified by Jim Crow laws.

Exacerbated racism prompted Black students in Nashville to organize sit-ins at the city’s whites-only lunch counters in 1960.
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BOLD AND INNOVATIVE ACTIONS

Resistance was redefined and the sit-ins carefully planned.

Students were trained by the Nashville Christian Leadership Council in nonviolence and followed a strict peaceful conduct code.

The sit-ins urged businesses to question discriminatory practices, having a significant economic impact.

THE USE OF A SIT-IN

A sit-in is a peaceful occupation of a public or commercial space to disrupt its activity and highlight injustice.

It targets ordinary living spaces.

It draws attention and media coverage.

THE STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

Strengths: peaceful, strong public visibility, disruptive, economic pressure and draws public and media attention to a cause.

Limitations: high risk of arrest and violence, requires discipline and psychological resilience.