Oral History Interview with Latrelle McAllister, June 25, 1998. Interview K-0173. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007).
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Abstract
Latrelle McAllister, an African American woman who attended West Charlotte High School from 1973 to 1976, remembers her experiences there. Like many former West Charlotte students, she recalls a vibrant, diverse atmosphere, animated in part by a flashy marching band. She believes in the value of integration and its role in exposing students to diverse culture, but worries about the effects of busing on neighborhood cohesion. Despite the fracturing effects of busing, McAllister believes that West Charlotte remains a rallying point for her Charlotte community.
Excerpts
Growing up near West Charlotte High School
Busing nurtured friendships
Concerns that desegregation will close black schools
Remembering a nurturing teacher, a rare breed these days
Teachers shield students from turmoil of desegregation
West Charlotte's relative wealth keeps it calm during desegregation
Relative comfort despite segregation
Remembering Martin Luther King's assassination
Manners insulate black woman against racism
Remembering West Charlotte's exceptional marching band
Importance of West Charlotte as a symbol
Reflections on the utility of integration
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.)
Charlotte (N.C.)--Race relations
McAllister, Latrelle
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