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Edward Ellis 

Interview Abstract

Edward Ellis is a born and raised, current resident of Historic Washington Heights. He has a Doctorate in Education from UNC Charlotte and is currently a principal and educator. Growing up, Ellis attended West Charlotte High School and was a member of its final segregated class. He remembers the difficulties he faced with racism during his primary and secondary education, causing a great deal of fear for his personal safety and his community. Despite all of this, Ellis recalls a vibrant and caring African-American community. He looks back on how Historic Washington Heights was a cultural center that united the African-American community and attracted visits from celebrities such as James Brown. Ellis relives the impact his family and community had on instilling him with a passion for education as a child and now seeks to share that same fervor with others. Today, Ellis still lives among many of his neighbors from when he was a child, a true testament to the strength of the community.