On May 15, 1943, Chicago CORE carried out one of the early organized sit-ins against discrimination in public accommodations. Twenty-eight people entered Jack Spratt in small groups. Each group included at least one African American person. White customers were served, while African American customers were refused. Instead of eating, the white participants passed food to their companions or refused to eat until everyone was served.
The manager tried to separate the group, suggesting African American customers eat in the basement or in a back corner. Farmer refused. The police were called, but they reportedly said the protesters had broken no law. Eventually, the restaurant served everyone. Follow-up visits showed that Jack Spratt had changed its policy.
This sit-in did not become as famous as the 1960 lunch counter protests, but it helped shape the playbook. It showed how disciplined, nonviolent direct action could expose discrimination without needing a courtroom first.
Sometimes history does not begin where the textbooks start. Sometimes it starts with a donut, a counter, and people refusing to accept second-class treatment.
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