Led by Elizabeth Brooks , Mary Smith , and other women of color, UNC food workers launched a strike against unfair labor practices on February 23, 1969, walking off their workstations in Lenoir Hall. Students (particularly members of the Black Student Movement) and an increasing number of community members expressed their support, while Governor Dan K. Moore stationed the Highway Patrol on campus, and put the National Guard on standby in fear of violence. Although an agreement was reached in late March, the privatization of food service on campus and the dismissal of the workers’ demands led to a second strike that lasted until December 9, 1969.
See exhibit page .