On march 4th, 2010 the city of Houston and Texas Southern University gathered in a host of events to Commemorate those eight brave pioneers who paved the way for Houston desegregation.
Fifty years prior on March 4th, 1960 eight TSU Students felt charged to make a difference. In the days before the students met in "war rooms" and strategized a non-violent protest and march to the Weingartens diner in hopes of dismantling Houston's Jim Crow Laws and bring equality to all.
The day of commemoration began at approximately 9:00 A.M., in the MLK Humanities building on the campus of TSU. Students, Faculty, and the TSU community filled the room with anticipation to for some meet for the first time, and for others to have a reunion with the leading eight of the sit-in.
Words can not express the gratitude and respect I felt that day. It was a privilege to be able to sit and listen to Eldrewey stearns, leader of the sit-in, reflect on the events and planning that took place prior to the march and the feeling he had throughout that day.
I could literally feel the emotion pouring out from Ms. Eddye Rigsby Hamilton, as she urged the students in the audience to take pride in our heritage and to stand and make a difference.
The highlight of the day was the march down wheeler to the now Almeda Post Office, which in 1960 was the site of the Weingarten Diner. There the leading eight Pioneers received words of Gratitude from Houston's Mayor Annise Parker, City Council Rep Wanda Adams, And Shelia Jackson Lee gave her sentiment via phone from Washington, D.C. There was also a host of many others which included TSU elects and the Surrounding community leaders.
It was a joyous day to say the least. I found that I don't have to wonder what it would have been like to march amongst the great leaders of African American history. I have a first hand account of the pride and honor that comes along with standing side by side with pioneers who paved the way. 
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