Jibreel Khazan (Ezell Blair, Jr.) was born in Greensboro, North Carolina on October 18, 1941.
He graduated from James B. Dudley High School in 1959 and began his freshman year at A&T College having received an
A&T College Alumni Association Scholarship. Jibreel and his roommate, Joe McNeil, one of the A&T Four, lived in
Scott Hall their freshman year. He recounts that on Sunday night, January 31, 1960, we decided we were going to
request equal service for all Americans at F. W. Woolworth’s lunch counter on Monday, February 1, 1960.
Dr. Khazan graduated from A&T with a Bachelor of Science in sociology and social studies. He studied law at
Howard University Law School in Washington, DC, education at Massachusetts University in Dartmouth,
Massachusetts and voice at the New England Conservatory of Music. Dr. Khazan has worked as a teacher and
counselor and is an oral historian, oracle, Mass-Star Story teller and lecturer.
Dr. Khazan received the honorary doctorate of humanities degree from North Carolina A&T State University on
May 5, 1991.
Franklin Eugene McCain was born in Union County, North Carolina but grew up in Washington, DC. After graduating
from Eastern High School, he entered A&T College and earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and biology in 1964.
He later earned his Master of Arts from A&T and also studied and trained at North Carolina State University in
Raleigh, North Carolina, Princeton University in New Jersey, Farr Associates in Greensboro and American
Management Association in New York City. McCain recalls that as they talked from September 1959 until
January 31, 1960, “we had a common outlook to change the unjust conditions in the society that was pushed
forward by frustration.”
Dr. McCain has held leadership positions in numerous community organizations including the NAACP Legal
Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. and the National Conference of Christians and Jews. He has sat on the Board
of Visitors at Bennett College for Women and the Board of Trustees at A&T and North Carolina Central University
among many others. He holds membership in the A&T Alumni Association.
Dr. McCain was awarded the honorary Doctor of Philosophy in humanities from NC A&T State University
on May 5, 1991.
DAVID LEINAIL RICHMOND
David Richmond was born in Greensboro, North Carolina on April 20, 1941. After graduating from Greensboro’s
James B. Dudley High School, he entered A&T in the fall of 1959. David majored in business administration and
accounting. ``We were scared,'' Richmond said in 1987. ``We tried to encourage each other. We said, 'I'll do it
if you do it.' But after we got past Belk's and turned the corner, I think everybody was ready to do it. Fear will
make you crazy, I think. The adrenalin was pumping but if anybody had said, 'Boo' at that counter, I think
I would have run.''
He became a counselor – coordinator for the CETA program in Greensboro. His work with the CETA program allowed
him to work with disadvantaged youth and adults.
David Richmond died at forty nine years of age in Greensboro on December 7, 1990. Dr. Richmond received the
honorary doctorate of humanities degree posthumously from North Carolina A&T State University at his funeral
services on December 12, 1990.
On Saturday, February 1, 1997, Dr. Richmond’s unmarked grave was to be memorialized with a monument that read,
“David L. Richmond, 1941-1990, civil rights hero; one of the original Greensboro Four; Feb. 1, 1960;
Love leads to Freedom.'' The monument didn’t arrive in time for the ceremony; however, the dedication took
place any way.
David Richmond’s life was celebrated with the play,
David Richmond, written in 1998 by Dr. Sam Hay,
former A&T faculty member and former executive director of A&T’s Paul Robeson Theatre.
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