SCHOOL INTEGRATION:
Schools in North Carolina moved slowly towards integration for all students. Greensboro, NC got the ball rolling and was the first city in the south to integrate its schools. In 1957, six African American students made an effort to integrate an all-white school, which caught on in other cities. Even though the Brown vs. Board of Education case was ratified in 1954, many public schools did not take it into effect until 1971. After 1971, school integration picked up the pace. For example, West Charlotte High School went from 40% African American and 60% white to 88% African American and 1% white in a couple of years. Schools continue to integrate in North Carolina, which results in a well-rounded educational experience for all students.
Schools in North Carolina moved slowly towards integration for all students. Greensboro, NC got the ball rolling and was the first city in the south to integrate its schools. In 1957, six African American students made an effort to integrate an all-white school, which caught on in other cities. Even though the Brown vs. Board of Education case was ratified in 1954, many public schools did not take it into effect until 1971. After 1971, school integration picked up the pace. For example, West Charlotte High School went from 40% African American and 60% white to 88% African American and 1% white in a couple of years. Schools continue to integrate in North Carolina, which results in a well-rounded educational experience for all students.
CITY INTEGRATION:
Cities in North Carolina slowly progressed towards integration in public facilities including bathrooms, schools, restaurants, and water fountains. In 1959, Charlotte City Schools (consisting of African Americans) and Mecklenburg Schools (consisting of whites) integrated to form Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, or what students today know as CMS. In 1963, motels, libraries, pools and other facilities decided to integrate in North Carolina cities. African Americans also began contributing to politics in the south, and in 1968 Howard Lee became the first African American to become the mayor in a mostly-white city. Raleigh received their first African American mayor in 1973, Clarence Lighter. North Carolina's integration has allowed students and citizens to enjoy the same thing