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mathematics and physics from Johnson C. Smith
University in Charlotte, North Carolina. While a
professor of mathematics and physics at Fayetteville
State University he met and married his beloved
wife, Eleanor Jean Gray.
He went on to a distinguished career as a physicist
with the National Bureau of Standards. In 1951, the
Bureau relocated Dr. Grier to the Corona
Laboratories, which later became known as the Naval
Ordinance Laboratory of Corona. Along the way, Dr.
Grier earned yet another degree – a Ph.D in Ministry
from the Claremont School of Theology.
Mrs.
Grier began her career with the Riverside Unified
School District (RUSD) in the 1950s and was the
fourth African-American teacher hired by the
district. She was responsible for developing RUSD’s
first mentally gifted minor program and in 1962 she
became the first African-American assigned to a
school with a white student majority. Mrs. Grier
also served as curriculum director for the NAACP
Head Start program. As the mother of three highly
successful medical and legal professionals, she
devoted her life to supporting and improving the
quality of life for children and others.
As a
team, the Griers serve as an inspiration to others
in how two people can effectively work together
forthe betterment of the community. The Grier
Pavilion will long stand as a monument to their
will, their spirit, and their contributions to
common understandings among the people of Riverside. |
