44 After The 28

Conventional wisdom (as well as the unconventional wisdom of Jim Schutze, who wrote a book about race relations in Dallas) has it that this city was never a hotbed of activism (more of a warm bed, some say) and that the civil rights movement here was more akin to a civil right movement. The primary and oft-cited exception to this sentiment was the 1964 demonstration outside the now defunct Piccadilly Cafeteria downtown, which was staged for 28 days to protest the cafeteria's refusal to serve blacks. To commemorate the 45th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's televised address on civil rights, the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza will host a lecture on the demonstration, "28 Days at the Piccadilly," at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Clarence Broadnax and Reverend Earl Allen, two Piccadilly protesters who were arrested by Dallas sheriff's deputies, will participate in what promises to be a lively discussion. For seating reservations call 214-747-6660, ext. 5525, or e-mail programs@jfk.org.
Wed., June 11, 7 p.m., 2008