Ezell Blair Jr. facts for kids

Jibreel Khazan (born Ezell Alexander Blair Jr.) is an American civil rights activist. He was born on October 18, 1941. He is famous for being one of the Greensboro Four. This group of four African American college students took a brave stand.

On February 1, 1960, they sat at a lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. This counter at Woolworth's store was "segregated". This meant only white customers were allowed to eat there. Their peaceful protest helped start big changes in the Civil Rights Movement.

Early Life and Inspiration

Jibreel Khazan was born Ezell Alexander Blair Jr. in Greensboro, North Carolina. He went to Dudley High School, where his father taught. His father was part of the NAACP. This group worked for equal rights for Black people. Khazan said his father's strong beliefs about fairness influenced him greatly.

He also learned from a teacher, Mrs. McCullough. She told her class they were preparing for a time of equal rights. Khazan remembered that he always "stood up" when he saw unfair treatment.

Influenced by Leaders

In 1958, Khazan heard Martin Luther King Jr. speak. King talked about using peaceful protests to end segregation. Khazan felt deeply moved by King's words. He said his heart pounded and tears came to his eyes.

Khazan was also inspired by Mohandas Gandhi. He saw a documentary about Gandhi's "passive insistence." This meant taking peaceful but firm action to make a change.

The Greensboro Sit-in

In 1959, Khazan started college at A&T College of North Carolina. During his first year, he and his roommate, Joseph McNeil, made a plan. They teamed up with two friends, Franklin McCain and David Richmond. They decided to protest the segregated lunch counter at Woolworth's.

On February 1, 1960, these four young men sat down at the counter. They knew they might face trouble. But they wanted to challenge the unfair rules. This brave act became known as the Greensboro sit-ins. It sparked similar protests across the country.

Continuing the Fight

The sit-ins were just the start for Khazan. He joined the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He also became president of his junior class. Later, he led the school's student government. He was also president of the campus NAACP and the Greensboro Congress for Racial Equality.

In 1963, Khazan earned his degree in sociology. He then studied law briefly at Howard University Law School. He continued his education at Massachusetts University. He also studied voice at the New England Conservatory of Music.

Life After Greensboro

After the sit-ins, life in Greensboro became hard for Khazan. Some people saw him as a "troublemaker." So, in 1965, he moved to New Bedford, Massachusetts. There, he worked as a teacher and counselor. He helped people with special needs.

In 1968, he joined the Islamic Center of New England. He then changed his name to Jibreel Khazan. Today, he is an oral historian. This means he tells stories about history. He also gives talks to share his experiences.

Honoring His Legacy

Jibreel Khazan has received many honors for his work. In 1991, he received a special degree. It was an honorary doctorate from North Carolina A&T State University.

In 2002, the university had a statue made. It honored Khazan and the other three members of the Greensboro Four. There are also residence halls named after each of them on campus. In 2010, Khazan received the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal. This is a special award from the Smithsonian Institution. In 2021, a city park in New Bedford, MA, was renamed in his honor.

Family Life

Jibreel Khazan is married to Lorraine France George. They have three children together.