By: Jheri Hardaway (formerly Ms. Jheri Worldwide)
Staff Writer
Long Island, NY - The world is mourning the passing of Major General Joseph A. McNeil, a true American revolutionary whose actions helped ignite the Civil Rights Movement. As one of the Greensboro Four, McNeil's legacy is defined by his unwavering courage and a deep-seated belief in justice. His life, from a humble upbringing to a distinguished military career, was a testament to the power of conviction and the importance of standing up for what is right.
I had the honor of sitting down with Major General McNeil on several occasions. Each time was illuminating providing a glimpse into the man behind the movement. McNeil's journey began in Wilmington, North Carolina, but his family's search for work amid the great migration took them north to Harlem, New York. It was there, amidst the vibrant intellectual and cultural scene, that he was exposed to radical thought and saw firsthand the power of collective action. He recounted listening to orators on street corners including Malcolm X, an experience that shaped his social consciousness and taught him to question the status quo. His first act of protest came long before the Greensboro sit-ins, when he and other high school students boycotted a Pepsi plant in New York over discriminatory hiring practices. This early experience taught him the value of resistance and the importance of taking personal responsibility for one's actions.
Major General McNeil's path led him to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, a place he held dear to his heart. He spoke with pride about his time in school, where he and his fellow students were taught "how to think, not what to think." He recalled his competitive but friendly relationship with fellow student and civil rights icon Jesse Jackson, and shared a laugh about their student days, living off-campus with eggs in the window for a refrigerator.
On February 1, 1960, McNeil and three of his fellow Aggies—Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair Jr. (later Jibreel Khazan), and David Richmond—made the collective decision to sit down at the whites-only lunch counter at Woolworth's in Greensboro, NC. McNeil explained that while many people had talked about sit-ins, he and his friends felt it was time for action. This brave, personal decision was a pivotal moment in American history, sparking a movement that would spread across the nation. He spoke about the critical support from the president of NC A&T at the time, Dr. Warmoth T. Gibbs, who, when pressured by the state governor to stop the student protests, famously said, "I talk to these kids, but they don’t listen to me. Plus, we teach them how to think not what to think." This institutional support, though not always direct, gave the students the cover they needed to continue their efforts.
McNeil was a man who was willing to risk everything for his beliefs. He recalled being arrested for trespassing just two weeks before his graduation, a risk that could have cost him his Air Force commission and his degree. But he knew he was not alone in his thinking. The sight of thousands of students and community members flooding the streets in support filled him with a sense of purpose and a profound understanding of the movement's power. It was a "christening," as he put it, that affirmed his faith in collective action.
A true life of service, Major General McNeil's commitment to his purpose continued with a decorated career in the U.S. Air Force, where he became one of the first African American major generals. He saw the military as a place where, for many, it was their "first exposure to white people on an equal basis." He was proud to be part of a force that, while not always perfect, provided integrated opportunities and allowed people from different backgrounds to work together and build trust.
When asked about the state of race relations today, McNeil's wisdom was clear: "Without protest there is no progress." While he emphasized that all lives matter and that true leadership requires treating everyone with respect, he also acknowledged the disproportionate injustices faced by Black lives. He felt hope that younger generations will continue to engage in protest to minimize the efforts of those who try to deter progress.
Major General Joseph McNeil lived a life defined by extraordinary courage, a deep sense of faith, and an abiding love for humanity. He taught us that doing the right thing for its own sake—with "pure integrity"—is a reward in itself. He believed that the courage of others can inspire us all, and that the path to justice is a process of personal epiphanies and unwavering commitment. His legacy is not only in the history books but in the hearts of all who continue the struggle for a more just and equitable world. He will be deeply missed, but his message—that we must always be willing to take a stand and move forward, even in the face of fear—will endure forever. Well done good and faithful servant. We appreciate you.
