Color and Character: West Charlotte High and the American Struggle over Educational Equality

by Pamela Grundy

At a time when race and inequality dominate national debates, the story of West Charlotte High School illuminates the possibilities and challenges of using racial and economic desegregation to foster educational equality. West Charlotte opened in 1938 as a segregated school that embodied the aspirations of the growing African American population of Charlotte, North Carolina. In the 1970s, when Charlotte began court-ordered busing, black and white families made West Charlotte the celebrated flagship of the most integrated major school system in the nation. But as the twentieth century neared its close and a new court order eliminated race-based busing, Charlotte schools resegregated along lines of class as well as race. West Charlotte became the city's poorest, lowest-performing high school—a striking reminder of the people and places that Charlotte's rapid growth had left behind. While dedicated teachers continue to educate children, the school's challenges underscore the painful consequences of resegregation.

Drawing on nearly two decades of interviews with students, educators, and alumni, Pamela Grundy uses the history of a community's beloved school to tell a broader American story of education, community, democracy, and race—all while raising questions about present-day strategies for school reform.

Genres: Race, Sociology, History, Nonfiction

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2017

Reviews

[Jennifer Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This should be required reading for new residents of Charlotte (and there are many!), but it’s also a useful lens for non-Charlotte residents into national trends around integration and resegregation of public schools. Approaching the topic from the vantage point of one school allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the many forces at play without getting overwhelmed - and Grundy lays out a compelling case for why West Charlotte is the perfect lens. It’s a relatively quick read with lots to unpack.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a native Charlottean, and I learned so much about Charlotte history from this book. I loved the mix of oral history interviews of Charlotteans and the historical perspective.

[Wendy Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

When my husband selected this book for our virtual Sunday School class to read and discuss in an attempt to delve into racial issues and disparities, I questioned his decision. I felt like there are so many books directly addressing this issue that are trending right now that this one was too narrowly focused. One school, one city, one topic (education). Yet the discussed that came from this book was deep, meaningful, challenging, and personal. I think all of us were faced with the historical facts from our own city that yes, were focused on one school, yet addressed all the systemic issues of the city - and beyond. All the while causing us to pause and consider our own choices and actions. It is meticulously researched and extremely well-written. So excited that the author has agreed to meet with us in a few weeks!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be essential reading for educators, especially those working in CMS.

[Tiffany Onia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an insightful look at the racial and educational landscape of the country and specifically Charlotte. As someone who grew up and went to school in Charlotte, it was interesting to learn more about the history and nuances of desegregation and resegregation of the CMS system and more specifically West Charlotte HS.

It is a reminder of how recent the history is, and of the importance of the ongoing work that has been done (even if it has not succeeded) in the education sector to make learning more equitable.

I would recommend this to anyone who has ties to or interest in the Charlotte Public School system.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grundy draws on historical documents and interviews to trace the story of West Charlotte High from its founding to the present day. She chronicles the school's initial decades as a segregated school for African-Americans, the struggles and triumphs with busing and integration, and ultimately the end of busing and re-segregation. It's a fascinating history, and well-written in this book.

[Elyse Dashew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turner about the ongoing remarkable story of West Charlotte High School. An important read for anyone trying to understand how the health of public schools and American society are interrelated.

[Lisa Pera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be a mandatory read not only for CMS staff but the Board of Education. It should also be required of city and county elected officials too.

[Ione Heigham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was super informative. At points it was a bit slow but overall a great read.

[Bill Mcconnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Significant omissions from the quilt of history

I am a proud 1977 graduate of West Charlotte. I grew up on Beatties Ford Road, approximately 2 miles north of WC. As a white high school student, prior to desegregation I would have been assigned to North Mecklenburg. My education at West Charlotte, academically, culturally, artistically, and personally, was first-rate. I hold a doctorate in music and serve on the national staff of one of our nation’s largest Protestant denominations. I am very disappointed that this author chose to ignore the mid to late 1970s at West Charlotte and the contributions of Andrew P. (Sam) Haywood and other fine educators who led us.

I recently attended the 40th reunion of my graduating class. It was a beautifully diverse gathering. Some of us were close friends in school, others were merely acquaintances. But all of us shared a common pride in creating a school that probably shouldn’t have worked, a place where all of us received the foundation to be leaders in society. I am sorry that this author chose to ignore that history

[Stephanie L. Poisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book about an incredible school. It is amazing to me how through all the years and constant churn and turmoil, the West Charlotte described by those who attended during segregation had the same spirit of the school that I attended during the heart of desegregation. The lessons that are learned through the story of West Charlotte should be heeded by anyone who wishes to fight both racial and socio-economic inequality within the educational system. West Charlotte proved that it can work and benefit all students, but unfortunately, those victories were short lived. West Charlotte's indelible spirit, however, gives me hope for the future.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

After growing up in southeast Charlotte and attending public school during these years, this book adds the back story to much I heard discussed around our dinner table .. in addition, I worked for CMS for 28 years, most of which was in the administrative offices where much of the more recent history took place .. very interesting illustration on how Charlotte handled integration ..

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an alumni of West Charlotte, this book was both fun and difficult to read. It was filled with memories of a school I love however it was hard to read about it's downfall. I also enjoyed reading about Charlotte's history. This book is a must read for city and county officials. I also feel that it would be good required reading for high-school students.

[Karen Fulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading about this historical period. I am not sure how it would read if you did not have a real interest. I loved reading about past teachers, fellow classmates, and familiar neighborhoods. “I’m so glad I went to WC” class of 79. I think it shaped my life and views today.