Franklin McCain , who died Thursday , was one of the ` ` Greensboro . '' In 1960 , four black students defied segregation by sitting at a whites - only lunch counter . Speaking of McCain as news of his death spread , Khazan told the New & Record , `` Frank would say we did n't want to set the world on fire The act sparked sit - ins elsewhere and was seen as a major desegregation effort . ` ` We wanted to be included in the round table of humanity , '' said another of the four .
Franklin McCain , who died Thursday , was one of the ` ` Greensboro . '' In 1960 , four black students defied segregation by sitting at a whites - only lunch counter . The act sparked sit - ins elsewhere and was seen as a major desegregation effort . ` ` We wanted to be included in the round table of humanity , '' said another of the four .