AN AMERICAN EDUCATION
ABOUT THE FILM
An American Education explores the history and legacy of a historically Black high school in
Charlotte, NC that became a national model for busing and school integration for three decades,
beginning in the 1970s. Through firsthand accounts, the film examines how West Charlotte High
School fostered an environment where students learned, grew, and built lasting relationships
during a transformative period in American history. As Charlotte’s school system re-segregated
in the 2000s, the experiences of those who lived through integration raise important questions
about progress, community, identity, and the choices that shape education. An American
Education is narrated from the perspective of a current West Charlotte student, reflecting on the
storied legacy her generation inherited.
ARE YOU AN EDUCATOR?
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, October 2, 3:30 PM ET
Virtual:
An American Education will be screening as part of North Carolina’s Dudley Flood Center, Color of Education Summit. After the screening, there will be a panel moderated by Jay Ferguson with Thai Bonapart and three current West Charlotte students.
Saturday, October 3, 10 AM ET
Washington, DC: Myrtilla Miner Building Auditorium, Howard University School of Education
An American Education will be screening at the March On! 2026 Film Festival.
October 6-20
Virtual:
An American Education will be screening virtually as part of the MarchOn! Film Festival.
Sunday, October 11, 4:30 PM ET
East Hampton, NY: East Hampton Regal UA
An American Education will be screening at Hamptons International Film Festival as part of the NY Women in Film: Women Calling the Shots screenings.
Saturday, October 17, 11 AM ET
Woodstock, NY: Woodstock Community Center
An American Education will be screening at Woodstock Film Festival.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Thai Bonapart is a filmmaker and student in Nutritional Science at North Carolina A&T State University.
An American Education is her directorial debut and reflects her passion to preserve her community’s history and encourage dialogue across generations. Thai explores the intersections of history, education, and generational responsibility, using film to ask meaningful questions and preserve local narratives. Follow @thaiinmotion on Instagram to keep up to date!
Produced by Elizabeth Martin, Marshall Curry, Elizabeth Davis, Jay Ferguson, Anthony Foxx
Executive Producer: Sandra Conway
Editor: Kent Bassett
Music: Dash Hammerstein
LENGTH: 25 minutes
LANGUAGE: English
COUNTRY: USA
YEAR: 2026
