With no regrets

MCS MEMORIES Embracing Memphis schools provided a view of dedication

It was 1977 and I was 5 and my cousin’s kindergarten class at Frayser Elementary was going on a f ield trip to the Memph i s Zoo. And I was getting to go!

On that day, with those kids, Mrs. Ware seemed the greatest teacher one could hope for. On Zack McMillin my first day in school, in her classroom the following fall, I still recall how comfortable she made me feel — and my delight at winning her approval.

I would not directly experience Memphis City Schools until almost 30 years later, when I got in line at 2 a.m. to ensure a place for my son at the school of our choosing.

After that first year in public schools, my parents faced the difficult choice between court- ordered busing to some integrated but distant school and segregated neighborhood schools like Frayser Bap-

DigitalCA In the opinion section at commercialappeal.com, reporter Michael Kelley explores the history of Memphis City Schools as the 165-year-old system becomes part of a consolidated Shelby County Schools this week. If you are a subscriber, you can read Kelley’s story on our website, as well as our smartphone and tablet apps. Activate your account at commercialappeal.com/ subscribe. Share your MCS memories at facebook.com/ commercialappeal. tist and Sky-View Baptist that sprang up as alternatives.

Three decades later, and