first african american to integrate school in 1965

A link to the interview with first African American to integrate Ardsley schools is below . Mr. Cook was the first

African American 15 year old who attended the Ardsley schools --way back in

1965. . He was welcomed by a great foster family,

Elaine Finsilver and her daughter Jane. Jane and Elaine participated in the

interview.

During

African American History month—and every month—we can’t just take the evolution

of our community for granted. Today, minorities comprise a much larger

percentage of the Ardsley school population. In 1965, Ron was the sole

African American in the entire Ardsley school system. (There was one Chinese

American student in 7th grade.) What was Ron’s journey like? Was it worth it?

Reflections on 50 years of segregated lives. In the interview Elaine and

Ron recall residents driving up to the Finsilver's home and spitting on the

grass. And, on graduation day Ron received a standing ovation from fellow

students. But--during a graduation party was not allowed to swim in the

pool. I found it hard to believe what I heard. David

Bach co-hosted the radio interview. PAUL FEINER

Here is the link

to interview with Ron Cook, Elaine Finsilver

https://youtu.be/Vhc7JZ28xOA