Morgantown, West Virginia
NAACP Morgantown/Kingwood Branch
This page highlights contemporary Black leaders and trailblazers connected to Morgantown through public service, advocacy, entrepreneurship, arts and culture, and higher education. It is intended to recognize leadership that strengthens our community and advances equity and justice.
Civic Leadership and NAACP Advocacy
Anitra Hamilton
Past President, NAACP Morgantown/Kingwood Branch | Democratic Delegate (WV)
Anitra Hamilton is a past President of the NAACP Morgantown/Kingwood Branch and a Democratic Delegate in the state of West Virginia. Through her NAACP leadership, she supported civil rights advocacy, community engagement, and organizational development. Her continued civic involvement reflects a commitment to equity, political participation, and representative leadership.
Charlene Marshall
First Black Mayor of Morgantown
Charlene Sutton made history as the first Black Mayor of Morgantown, representing a significant milestone in local civic leadership. Her service expanded representation in municipal government and remains an important part of Morgantown’s contemporary Black history and progress toward inclusive governance.
Community Entrepreneurship and Local Business Leadership
Bilal Adams
Owner, Classic Cutz (Morgantown)
Bilal Adams is the owner of Classic Cutz, a Black-owned barbershop in Morgantown known for consistent community presence and local impact. Through entrepreneurship, Classic Cutz contributes to the local economy while offering a culturally affirming environment and welcoming gathering space for residents.
Arts, Culture, and Community Representation
Crystal Good
Poet | Artist | Cultural Organizer
Crystal Good is an award-winning spoken-word poet, artist, and cultural organizer whose work elevates Black Appalachian voices. Through performances, educational work, and cultural engagement connected to West Virginia—including Morgantown—she expands dialogue around identity, representation, and storytelling.
Education and Higher Education Leadership
Dr. Meshea Poore
Vice President for Campus Engagement and Compliance, West Virginia University Dr. Meshea Poore is a higher education leader and public servant with a career spanning university administration, law, and state-level politics. She currently serves as Vice President for Campus Engagement and Compliance at West Virginia University, having previously held the role of Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Dr. Poore holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Howard University and a Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center. She also served as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, where she advocated for education, equity, and civic engagement.
Dr. Clarence H. Watson
Higher Education Leader | Student Affairs
Dr. Clarence H. Watson served in senior student affairs leadership at West Virginia University, where he championed student development, leadership formation, and inclusive campus environments. His work influenced student support systems and leadership culture impacting generations of students connected to Morgantown.
Dr. C. Keith Harrison
Scholar | Educator (Sport Sociology and Education)
Dr. C. Keith Harrison is a nationally recognized scholar in sport sociology and education who served as faculty at West Virginia University. His work addressing race, identity, and academic achievement among Black student-athletes contributed to equity-focused scholarship, mentorship, and education in Morgantown.
Nominate a Community Leader
The NAACP Morgantown/Kingwood Branch recognizes that many Black leaders, advocates, educators, business owners, artists, faith leaders, and organizers make meaningful contributions—often without formal titles or widespread recognition. This page is not exhaustive. Community members are encouraged to nominate additional individuals whose leadership, service, or advocacy has positively impacted Morgantown and surrounding areas. Nominations help ensure that our collective history and present-day leadership are accurately and inclusively represented.
To nominate a leader:
Email: 3241naacp@gmail.com
Include: nominee name, role or area of impact, connection to Morgantown, and 2–4 sentences describing their contributions (plus a photo link if available).