Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought long and hard to see integration implemented – but he was concerned with the process. In 1967 he said, "I fear I am integrating my people into a burning house." King’s fear may very well have been justified. Here are myths about integration and the truth behind what’s really happening.
Myth #1: Integration improved education for Black students
A study conducted between the 1930s and 1970s showed that “Black students attending racially balanced high schools — schools that were about equally divided between Black and white students — completed a half year less of school, on average, than Black students in predominantly Black high schools.” This was partly because more resources went to white students than Black students.
Myth #2: Integration improved employment for Black teachers
Another study conducted from 1960 to 1972 estimated that fully segregated school districts transitioning to full integration led to a 41.7% reduction in Black teacher employment in the South. Black teachers either had to leave the profession for lower-paying jobs or find teaching jobs in other parts of the country.
Myth #3: Integration improved housing
Housing integration was limited, as few vouchers and government assistance were available for Black families to move to non-Black dominant areas. Many cities also refused to establish affordable housing programs.
While the implementation of integration was deeply flawed, we can still imagine a future where we have all the resources, safety, and access to basic necessities. What would such a future look like to you?