Charlotteans took place in protesting against segregation by participating in sit-ins and other nonviolent activities. On February 9th,1960 the first sit-in was held downtown. On this day approximately 100 Smith University students staged sit-ins at 8 different stores and Joseph Charles led this protest. On February 23rd, 1960 police arrested students after the demonstration at Belk's Department store, causing people to complain. On April 14th the first white person joined the African Americans in their protests. In the spring of 1963 a civil rights leader lead dozens of protesters on a four mile march from a African American college to the center of downtown Charlotte.