Oral history interview with William Culp, February 19, 1999

William B. A. Culp, Jr., describes his experiences as a white teacher in post-desegregation Charlotte, N.C. 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 "colorblind" society is slow.