'The Dockum Drugstore Sit-in' presentation will reflect on historic Wichita event

LAWRENCE — In July 1958, Black students gathered at downtown Wichita’s Dockum Drugstore to stage a peaceful protest against the unequal practice of segregation. Tired of being denied access to the city’s movie theaters and restaurants, students took action and turned their attention to the lunch counter at the popular drugstore. 

The University of Kansas Humanities Program will share more about this historic Kansas event by hosting a virtual presentation titled "The Dockum Drugstore Sit-in" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22.

The presentation by storyteller Prisca Barnes will discuss the details of the sit-in, explore how these protests helped transform the struggle for racial equality in America and consider contemporary nonviolent protests.

Barnes founded Storytime Village, a nonprofit whose mission is to inspire “a lifelong love of reading for undeserved Kansas children from birth to age 8.” 

The KU Humanities Program — in coordination with Humanities Kansas and the Lawrence Public Library — welcomes all interested parties to this free Zoom event. Individuals may register online to receive instructions on how to join the event. 

Photo credit: Humanities Kansas.