Title: Oral History Interview with William Culp, February 19, 1999. Interview K-0277.
Identifier: K-0277
Interviewer: Grundy, Pamela
Interviewee: Culp, William
Subjects: Teachers--North Carolina--History--20th century    School integration--North Carolina--Charlotte    West Charlotte High School (N.C.)    Charlotte (N.C.)--Race relations    Schools--North Carolina--Charlotte    
Extent: 00:49:44
Abstract:  William Culp Jr. describes his experiences as a white teacher in post-desegregation Charlotte, North Carolina. Culp spent only one semester at West Charlotte High School, but the school left an impression on him. Culp describes a relatively harmonious school where students and teachers were committed to maintaining an aura of respect and cooperation between black and white students, teachers, and administrators. Their efforts appear to have been successful. His experience at West Charlotte, in combination with his upbringing and a stint in the army, left Culp a strong believer in racial diversity and an advocate for interracial cooperation. While optimistic, Culp thinks that progress toward a "color-blind" society is slow.