Class of 1977 recalls the early years of segregation

Members of Central’s class of 1977 were among the first Macon children to spend all or most of their school years in racially integrated schools.

At the 40-year reunion, several Central High alums recalled those days of integration.

Tracey Curtis recalled his early years of segregated schooling at Bibb County’s all-black Green Street Elementary and concluded “separate was not equal.” Looking at today,Curtis questions whether white families who have fled to private schools.

Jeff Cheeves, a member of Central High School’s class of 1977, was among the first Macon children to spend all or most of their school years in integrated schools. He said he had no personal issues with the racial integration of Bibb County school.

Kenneth Williams recalls how his father voluntarily integrated his sons into Bibb County’s Pearl Stephens Elementary School. Williams said he and his brothers used to run home from school to avoid being drawn into fights with white children.

Gregory Lofton, a member of Central High School’s class of 1977, was among the first Macon children to spend all or most of their school years in integrated schools.