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Charles Johnson was the principal of Jordan-Matthews High School at the time of this interview. Here, he describes his ascension to the position, management style, discipline policy, use of funds, and other details of the position. He loves his job, but he sees some problems with education in a post-desegregation environment. He makes an extra effort to project an aura of professionalism, because he thinks that some people have difficulty accepting direction from a black authority figure; his demeanor is also an effort to reverse a decline in courtesy and diligence. While he says that his race has not affected his treatment from his superiors, it has affected his approach to his job. This interview offers some insight into a black principal's effort to rebuild the authority of the black educator.

Minority teachers are role models for minority students

Negative effects of desegregation

Race does not affect role as principal

Finding aid to the Southern Oral History Program Collection

Database of all Southern Oral History Program Collection interviews

African American high school principals--North Carolina