On February 1, 1960. four black students at the university sat down at the lunch counter at Woolworth's, a segregated diner in downtown Greensboro. When the students were refused service, they continued to sit at the counter.
The anniversary breakfast and wreath laying took place at the university Alumni-Foundation Event Center. The event themed "The Gathering: Strength in Our Unity," included panel discussions
The ceremony was followed by a wreath-laying in honor of the four A&T students.
The program also featured a presentation of the Human Rights Medal, the university's highest honor for contributions to civil rights.