Early Black education in West Virginia grew from self-help, support from White allies, the Freedmen’s Bureau, churches, and public officials. Although the 1863 state legislature agreed to educate Black children, funding didn’t follow until later. The 1872 constitution required separate schools for Black students, and by 1868, schools were open in 18 communities, often in homes and churches.

The biggest challenge was a shortage of teachers. Storer College (students pictured) in Harpers Ferry began training Black teachers. Later, West Virginia Colored Institute (now WV State University) and Bluefield Colored Institute (now Bluefield State University) were founded to provide secondary education and teacher training.

By the early 1900s, more Black schools opened as the law reduced the number of students needed to start one. The first Black high school classes were added at Sumner School in Parkersburg in 1885, with others following in Clarksburg, Charleston, and Huntington. Private schools and religious academies also existed.

By 1950, over 19,000 Black students were enrolled in grades 1–12. Schools offered academics, sports, clubs, and arts, and helped build strong community bonds. After the 1954 Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, West Virginia gradually integrated its schools, completing the process by the mid-1960s.