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September 4, 1957 - Gus Roberts at Central High School

Gus Roberts at Central High School
Event Type: 
Modern Era Begins 1946-1959

On September 4, 1957, sixteen-year-old Gus Roberts arrives at Central High School with his father. Hundreds of students stand on the front steps, watching.

Principal Ed Sanders welcomes Gus and his father and makes sure the crowd behaves peacefully. Gus goes to class.

When class is dismissed, a voice from the crowd cries out at Gus, "Go back to Second Ward where you came from."

Of the four students who integrate Charlotte's schools that day, only Gus Roberts will remain at an integrated school through graduation.