31 March 1960 issue describes the sit-down demonstrations as the major sympathy movement of the year among the nations’ colleges and universities.  Racial tension was aroused by the sit-downs of negro students in Southern lunch counters. Custom decreed that negroes must stand at department store lunch counters if they want to be served. Negroes sat down in April of 1960 and problems began.

21 April 1960: “Royer Maps Nashville Trip: Class to Observe Sit-Downs.” Dr. Royer and 5 members of his race relations class will travel to Nashville, Tennessee to view the history making events.  The paper’s editorial page carries statements by three students who feel race relations an urgent problem of the day.  One student, Jean Neff, a former MC student (1958-1959)who transferred to Bennett College, Greensboro, North Carolina, passionately writes of her experiences from Greensboro.

28 April 1960 – “Nashville Trip – Broadening.” Dr. Royer’s class reports on their experiences in Nashville, Tennessee and on the Fisk University campus. One dark skinned international student shares her fears while on the trip.

12 May 2012 – “Six From Fisk Exchange Visit.”  Six meetings are arranged by Dr. Royer for the visitors from Fisk University where they will try to interpret the non-violent movement for racial community initiated by students of Southern communities.

12 May 2012 – page two – editorial, “Will Whites Sit Too?” Action has been taken on campus. $80 raised for National Christian Federation Fund. Peace Fellowship “….sought to evaluate its parade entry in Saturday’s May Day.” “Parade judges commended the demonstration – defected by 22 sign-carrying students (two Negroes) – as being a witness for brotherhood.” “Reaction of the town has been harder to get, but out-right antagonism is almost wholly lacking in the after-comments” The visit exchange with Fisk was deemed an invaluable experience.

Research from the Oak Leaves by Jeanine Wine 17 January 2013