Title: Oral History Interview with Ned Irons, March 16, 1999. Interview K-0170.
Identifier: K-0170
Interviewer: Grundy, Pamela
Interviewee: Irons, Ned
Subjects: School integration--North Carolina--Charlotte    West Charlotte High School (N.C.)    Charlotte (N.C.)--Race relations    Irons, Ned    
Extent: 00:00:01
Abstract:  Ned Irons, a high achieving white student at West Charlotte High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, discusses his experiences as a member of a racial minority at this historically black school. Irons was lured to West Charlotte by its sports programs and glowing reputation, and once there found an intellectually stimulating and socially challenging environment. Irons sees West Charlotte as a school that finds its identity in African American culture, and in learning about that culture, he jettisoned many of his prejudices. In addition to sharing his personal experiences, Irons discusses race in Charlotte, including his belief that socioeconomics can help explain segregation and his conclusions that neighborhood schools will doom Charlotte to resegregation.