Frank McCain: Martin Luther King Jr. Shabbat

It is hard to believe that February 1, 1960, the day that the lunch counter sit-ins began at the Woolworth’s in downtown Greensboro, was 65 years ago. What started as an important moment, picked up momentum. What could have been just a moment, strengthened and grew the Civil Rights movement.

Some of us remember those times because we lived through them. Others, like me, grew up hearing about the Sit Ins even though they happened before we were born.

Many know that our historic Temple downtown is less than a mile from the Woolworth’s building; we are grateful that it is the site of the International Civil Rights Museum. That proximity also reflects Judaism’s commitment to justice and freedom which should never be measured in fractions of a century. As we well know, our people’s connection to freedom stories goes back over three thousand years.

This year, we have the high honor of welcoming Frank McCain as the speaker for our Martin Luther King Jr. Shabbat service. Frank has served as the President and CEO of United Way of Greater Greensboro since 2023.

His name may sound familiar. He readily admits that his main inspiration to make our world a better place for all, especially those facing poverty and economic insecurity, comes from his father, Franklin McCain Sr., of blessed memory — one of the Greensboro Four. Frank’s father was our speaker in 2010. I find it quite meaningful that as we prepare to mark 65 years since the Sit Ins, we will hear from the son of a pioneer, who also was a former MLK Shabbat Speaker.

That night, we will also be blessed to be together with Rev. Vicki H. McCain, Frank’s wife, who serves as Pastor for Greensboro’s Presbyterian Church of the Cross.

Details, including service times, can be found in our bulletin and in Temple promotions on our social media platforms. The reason that I mention this is because it is so important that we invite our friends, from within and beyond the Jewish community, to be with us for this historic Shabbat as we celebrate and take inspiration from Jewish history, the Civil Rights movement’s deep connection to Greensboro, and the life and legacy of Dr. King.

My sincerest blessings as 2025 begins and as we continue to live up to the Deuteronomy’s call (chapter 16, verse 20): “Justice, justice, shall you pursue.”

Rabbi Andy Koren

Senior Rabbi