The Village of Hempstead renamed a street and school in honor of a civil rights icon.

Gen. Joseph A. McNeil, a 50-year Hempstead resident, was part of a group known as the Greensboro Four.  The group consisted of four college students who led sit-ins at Woolworth's in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1960 to protest Jim Crow-era segregation.

McNeil, who was only 17 at the time, helped thrust the civil rights movement in the South into the national spotlight.

A sign bearing Gen. McNeil's name now stands at the corner of Angevine Avenue and Greenwich Street. The street dedication was also part of the village's celebration of its 375th anniversary.

Gen. McNeil says the work of fighting for civil rights is not done.

"While it appears to be just another symbol, I intend to carry forward the thoughts and sacrifices that were made for all of us," he says.

Franklin Street School in Hempstead was also named for Gen. McNeil.