Edward Waters College celebrates 150th anniversary

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The history at Edward Waters College runs deep. The A.M.E. Church started in 1866 for freed slaves, and now 150 years later, it’s thriving and looking forward to the years ahead.

“You can see the spirit, you can see the excitement,” President Nathaniel Glover said.

Hundreds showed up Wednesday to hear the EWC Chorus, watch a balloon release and hear the history of the prestigious school. It opened its doors right after the Civil War, and has been educating students ever since.

“It gives people like me an opportunity to experience my culture. To interact with more people here; where I’m from,” freshman Briah Campbell said.

Edward Waters has overcome numerous challenges – including the Great Fire of 1901, and more recently, a decrease in federal funds. It’s becoming a common theme for Historical Black Colleges and Universities. EWC is Florida’s oldest.

“The challenges are obvious, but on the other hand, the work is worthwhile,” Glover explained.

Since becoming president, Glover has done his best to show that. He’s brought in the Call Me Mister program, which provides free tuition for black men studying secondary education and the criminal justice program – which allows participants to finish with police academy credits.

“EWC is doing a great job bringing in the people from this area, from the state and from around the world to come to Edward Waters College,” senior Curtis Powell said.

EWC may not be as big as some of its sister schools, but one thing it wants people to know: its got pride, its got flavor, and it has 150 years of strength behind it.

Right now, current enrollment is 930 students. President Glover hopes to get that number up to 1,200.

Cox Media Group