Howard University Is Gifted An Impressive Collection Of African American Art, Worth Over $2.5 Million

“Glory” (ca, 1960) by Elizabeth Catlett (Howard University)

Howard University is being gifted a highly valuable and coveted collection of African American art from Patricia Turner Walters, the wife of the late Ronald W. Walters, Ph.D. 

Internationally esteemed scholar and activist, Walters left an incredible legacy behind when he passed away in 2010. Remembered as a political strategist and a master on issues affecting the African diaspora, Walters taught at Howard University for 25 years and was department chair for almost a decade. The gift is in honor of his memory. 

“I could not be more delighted about the decision to give my art collection to Howard, the institution that my husband cared so deeply about,” said Walters. “I always knew I wanted to do something like this to honor my husband’s legacy, but I never imagined that I would get to see it happen in my lifetime. I am grateful to President Frederick for working with me to make this possible. I could not be happier.” 

Valued at $2,519,950, the African American art collection of 152 pieces includes sculptures, original pieces, photographs from distinguishes eras such as the Harlem Renaissance, rare prints, and more. 

Patricia Walters began collecting art in the late 1980s. Prominent artists such as Robert S. Duncanson, Norman Lewis, Romare Bearden, Kehinde Wiley, Barkley Hendricks, and Kerry James Marshall are among the collection. 

“Dr. Walters was a giant among scholars here at Howard University, nationally and internationally, and this endowed chair is designed to be a reflection of his unique history as an activist, a political strategist and a trailblazing academic professor,” said Howard’s president Wayne A.I. Frederick. “This gift comes at the perfect moment to expand our students’ involvement in the political conversations of our time.”

More information about the collection will be available during the spring.