"The Grace Edwards Waters Africana Studies Library" was originally housed in West Virginia University's Center for Black Culture and Research. At the dedication of library,  Dr. William Little, former Director of the CBCR, said of Grace Waters, "...We are moving into a new era...(she is) a person who has pioneered the movement from a segregated to an integrated society...she is a symbol for the next generation of women to emulate."

    The Waters Africana collection grew and was transferred to the WVU Libraries system. As of February 2003, the Waters collection on the 2nd floor of WVU's Wise Library contained approximately 1850 items. The collection includes both African and African American materials. New Africana studies books are continuously purchased by the WVU Libraries and added to the collection.

     A collection of Grace Waters' personal memorabilia is in the care of Special Collections at the WVU Libraries. This includes certificates, letters, photographs, newspaper clippings, cards, and programs. These materials have been photographed and scanned to create a series of over 90 slides illustrating the life of this outstanding African American educator.

The Outstanding African American Educator

     In 1954, the Federal Government outlawed segregation in public schools, and Grace Waters became the first African American teacher at Morgantown High School. She also taught at Second Ward Elementary School on White Avenue in Morgantown and Monongalia High School, an all-black school that later became Westover Junior High.

     Her devotion to teaching and to the community was noted with awards like the Suncrest Kiwanis Club for outstanding service and WVU College of Human Resources and Education Distinguished Alumni award. Many of her students say that they have never forgotten what they learned from her. This exhibit, along with the Waters Collection, is dedicated to to her.

Grace Edwards Waters Chronology

1902 Born August 14 in Morgantown, West Virginia

1926 BA, Howard University, Washington D.C.

1927 First teaching job: St. Phillips Normal Industrial School for Girls, San Antonio, Texas

1929-1967 Taught in the Monongalia County integrated and segregated school system

1949 MA, West Virginia University

1967-1969 Taught at Woodrow Wilson High School, Washington DC