Dockum Drugstore Sit-In Anniversary

Floor Speech

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Mr. ESTES of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the Dockum Drugstore sit-in.

In 1958, 20-year-old Ron Walters and his cousin, Carol Parks-Hahn, were inspired by a California campus restaurant sit-in, the Little Rock Nine, and the Montgomery bus boycott. Bravely seeking to challenge the status quo of segregation in Wichita, they planned a sit-in at a downtown drugstore with a lunch counter for White customers only.

On July 19, 10 students walked into the Dockum Drugstore and sat down. They were described as well dressed and polite, and sought only to be served a soft drink at the counter.

For 3 weeks, the students entered the drugstore every day, boldly sitting through cursing, questioning, and even threats. Finally, on August 11, the store manager declared: ``Serve them. I'm losing too much money.''

Following their success, similar efforts became a hallmark of the civil rights movement. And today, on this 60th anniversary, their actions continue to inspire.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful these young men and women took action to end segregation in their community.

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