Oral History Interview with Jeff Black, March 29, 1999. Interview K-0276. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007).
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Abstract
African American senior Jeff Black reflects on his experiences at West Charlotte High School. Black felt West Charlotte's ties to his community well before he set foot on the school's campus, and like many of his peers, he eagerly anticipated beginning school there. He was not disappointed: at West Charlotte, Black found an intellectually stimulating, socially energizing, and racially diverse environment that allowed him to commit himself both to reaching his individual goals and strengthening his community. But Black admits that West Charlotte is not immune to the legacies of segregation: students tend to self-segregate in the cafeteria, there are few minorities in advanced classes, and the administration limited marching band routines because, surmises Black, they reflect an aspect of black culture the school does not want to associate itself with. He nonetheless believes that West Charlotte's "contagious" sense of belonging outweighs racism. Black's experiences at West Charlotte have been so positive that he tells the interviewer that "the race relations issue tends to be stressed a little bit too much." He believes that individuals have to choose to mingle with people from different backgrounds.
Excerpts
West Charlotte activities generate excitement
West Charlotte gains strength from diversity
Students self-segregate by race in the cafeteria
Tracking reveals lower test scores for black males
Sense of community at West Charlotte
Worries about plans to rework racial composition of Charlotte schools
West Charlotte's togetherness outweighs racial issues
West Charlotte changes marching band because of racial identity
Learn More
Finding aid to the Southern Oral History Program Collection
Database of all Southern Oral History Program Collection interviews
Resources for Educators
Race in Charlotte Schools Learning Object
Subjects
School integration--North Carolina--Charlotte
West Charlotte High School (N.C.)
Charlotte (N.C.)--Race relations
Irons, Ned
Schools--North Carolina--Charlotte
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