Civil rights pioneer speaks at Xavier

CINCINNATI - A participant in one of the most successful events during the civil rights movement spoke with students at Xavier University Wednesday evening.

In February 1960 Dr. Franklin McCain was just a college student, but he soon became a shining example of how anyone can make a change. Dr. McCain and three friends sat down at a "Whites-Only" lunch counter at a Woolworth's in Greensboro, N.C. It was a move which reinvigorated the non-violent protest movement.

When 9 News spoke with Dr. McCain after he talked with students, he said he hoped they walked away realizing they have what it takes to make a change.

"I am no different from them. We're just alike," commented Dr. McCain. "I've got faith, they've got faith, I've got courage and vision, and so do they. So they've got all the necessary ingredients to do anything in this short life that they would like to do."

Dr. McCain also added that even though we still have a ways to go regarding racial equality in this country, we should be proud of how far we've come.

"It really takes a small number of people, quite often just one, to make monumental actions and to take big steps. And you really don't need permission from anyone to do it. I think that they will leave here believing tonight that the facts don't matter if the dream is big enough."