Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum

The African American Design Archive was created in 1991 in response to the growing need for information about, and a fuller awareness of all people working in American design. This archive assists in this endeavor by highlighting African American designers who have made important contributions in the fields of architecture and interior design, industrial and graphic design, textiles and wallcoverings, ceramics, glass, metalwork, jewelry, and furniture.

James C. Watkins is a ceramicist and associate professor in the College of Architecture, Texas Tech University in Lubbock. He was one of sixty-five American craftsmen invited to contribute to the first permanent White House Craft Collection in 1993.