GCS Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Integration in High Point

Guilford County Schools is holding a reception today at 5 p.m. to celebrate the anniversary

Contact: Laurie Hogan (336) 370-8307
Created: 9/1/2009 11:37:16 AM

On Sept. 1, 1959, two brave sisters became the first African-American students to integrate High Point City Schools. Now, at the 50th anniversary, the Guilford County Board of Education is recognizing this historical event, which changed the course of education in High Point and brought about the later integration of restaurants and community facilities.

Guilford County Schools (GCS) will present a resolution signed by the board at a reception at High Point Central High today at 5 p.m. Additional local government representatives will be in attendance to commemorate the anniversary.

On Aug. 27, 1959, the High Point City Board of Education approved the reassignment applications for sisters Brenda and Lyn Fountain after their mother requested for them to attend the schools that are now Ferndale Middle and High Point Central High. The Fountains had attended William Penn High School previously. They enrolled in their new schools on the first day of class, Sept. 1, accompanied by Dr. Perry Little, a family member, and Rev. B. Elton Cox, their pastor.

The school day began “with comparative calm,” according to an article in the High Point Enterprise at the time. The Fountains first reported to the school district’s administrative offices and arrived at the schools after most students were already in the building. A group of community members looked on, but there was no incident, according to the newspaper. Harsh words had been painted on the school’s driveway in green paint, but students wiped them away.

The courage of these two sisters led the way for integration not only of High Point City Schools, but of the community. The Fountains also participated in the sit-in at the F.W. Woolworth store on S. Main Street in High Point on Feb. 11, 1960.

Board member Carlvena Foster, who has been instrumental in organizing recognition of the anniversary, attended William Penn and was acquainted with the Fountains while growing up. She said High Point schools and all of GCS have benefitted from the events that occurred 50 years ago.

“The integration of schools brought to light the apparent disparities between African-American and white students,” she said. “We have come a long way in providing equal opportunity for students, but we still have a ways to go.”

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About Guilford County Schools

Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina serving more than 71,000 students at 120 schools. With approximately 10,000 employees, the district’s mission is to graduate responsible citizens prepared to succeed in higher education or the career of their choice. 

Guilford County Schools is a national leader in providing specialized schools and instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship.  For more information, visit the district’s Web site at www.gcsnc.com.