Final answer:
Desegregation significantly improved educational opportunities for African Americans in North Carolina, enforced by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and increased racial diversity in schools. It enhanced North Carolina's image as a welcoming place, contributing to cultural and economic development and moving towards an inclusive 'New South.'
Step-by-step explanation:
Desegregation had a significant positive impact on the development of North Carolina, as it shaped social, educational, and economic advancements within the state. Following desegregation, there were notable improvements in educational opportunities for African Americans, which led to long-term societal benefits. Notably, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 provided mechanisms to enforce desegregation, ensuring that minorities could expect more equal treatment in various public spheres, including employment and access to resources. This legislative progress, combined with desegregation efforts such as the transporting of children to diverse schools as upheld in Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education, significantly increased the racial diversity in classrooms and educational outcomes for African Americans.
Additionally, the changes in cultural and social dynamics due to desegregation positively impacted North Carolina's image, making it a more welcoming place for newcomers and facilitating economic growth. The state's active participation in ensuring equal access to public facilities and the establishment of a public school system were critical developments. Overall, the push towards desegregation and greater equality contributed to a cultural rebirth and a move towards a more diversified and inclusive society and economy in North Carolina, paving the way for a 'New South.'