Seven Sisters and a Brother

The leaders of Swarthmore College’s historic sit-in for black representation tell their story in “this fascinating group narrative” of the Civil Rights era (Henry Louis Gates, Jr.).

In 1969, members of the Swarthmore Afro-American Student Society staged a sit-in at the college’s Admissions Office that lasted eight days. Their demands included increased enrollment and hiring of African Americans, and the creation of a Black Studies curriculum. In Seven Sisters and a Brother, the eight protest organizers tell the story of that fateful week in their own words.

Interspersed with autobiographical chapters, this “choral memoir” provides a cross-sectional view into the lives of student activists during the Civil Rights era. The authors reveal stories about their family backgrounds and discuss their experiences in the youth movement. They share how friendships, alliances, and a commitment to moral integrity strengthened their resilience in the face of adversity.

For years the media and some in the school community portrayed the peaceful protest in a negative light. But these eight individuals deserve credit for bringing greater inclusiveness to Swarthmore, as well as for the example they set for universities around the country. This firsthand account provides a necessary and overdue addition to the history of the Civil Rights era.