Oral History Interview with Saundra Davis, May 12, 1998. Interview K-0278. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007).
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Abstract
Saundra Davis, an African American woman who attended segregated schools, is a big believer in West Charlotte High School. In this wide-ranging interview, she shares her support for the school and her opinions on busing, diversity, and the somewhat limited success of integration. Using her children's experiences as examples, she speaks of her concerns that the promises of integration have not been realized, in part because white teachers are not committed to teaching black students and in part because the government is unwilling to devote resources to black communities. A believer in busing to create diversity, Davis nonetheless thinks that integration was doomed to failure because it was forced. Her story unfolds through anecdotes about her past life and her family's current life, and although she worries about the current state of schools, she is an unwavering supporter of West Charlotte High School.
Excerpts
West Charlotte's many draws
Busing as a necessary evil
Integration started decline of the quality of schools
Inequal resource allotment for black and white areas
Forced integration is doomed to failure
High hopes for West Charlotte's future
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.)
Second Ward High School (Charlotte, N.C.)
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