CMS To Rename Barringer Academic Center: How To Vote

CHARLOTTE, NC — In the quest to shed school names with ties to the Confederacy, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools says it will choose the new name of Barringer Academic Center by community vote.

The schools, which was built off West Boulevard in the 1950s, was named to honor the Confederate general father of Osmond L. Barriner, who donated the land and who also led a white supremacy parade, WSOC reported.

"After learning the full history of the Barringer name, the school community is excited about the opportunity to begin a new vision for our school that is even more inclusive and honors all of our students and academic programs," CMS said.

The school district has narrowed down the new school's name to three choices:

• Samuel Banks Pride — a former slave who went on to college and became an educator in Charlotte
• Charles Parker — African American civil rights activist in Mecklenburg County
• Charles Sifford — Charlotte native and first African American to win a PGA tour event

How To Vote
Current and former students, staff, parents and guardians are eligible to vote for the new name. Votes may be made here through March 18 at 11:59 p.m.

SEE ALSO: CMS Renames High School Honoring Confederate General