Laurie Johnson-Wade ( on right) with Lula Mae (on left), her mentor

Laurie Johnson-Wade traces her history back to 1865 when her family was the first African-Americans to settle in the area. They had answered an advertisement for free land. This rich history has influenced Laurie’s life and has led to the founding of the Alle-Kiski Cultural Center in Arnold.

Laurie’s passion for doing as much as she can has led her to serving the community. She has been on the Board of Habitat for Humanity, a Girl Scout Leader, Diversity Chair for Gannett Publishing, Sunday School teacher and Choir member in her church and even founded the LJW Production Company. Two years ago she produced and directed a play called “Sistah Salute” that was about African American women.

A few years ago she also conceived the idea of holding a Black History Festival. She accomplished this feat in February of 2006 with a day long event at the Clarion Hotel. The Festival featured a large photo exhibit, speakers, vendors and a luncheon. Dr. Judith Thomas, the first Black teacher at Highlands School District and now Dean of Education at Lincoln University, was one speaker. Dr. Mitchel Nichols, Pastor of the Bibleway Christian Fellowship was another speaker. Laurie said the Festival was a huge success. Behind all the labor in producing the Black History Festival is Laurie’s passion to use history to connect youth and others to their roots.

Little did she know that after putting on the first Festival, there was much more to happen. A second Festival was held this past February, but out of the first Festival she was encouraged by her Pastor, Dr. Mitchel Nichols, to encompass all cultures. Although Laurie had been considering establishing a Black History Center, this encouragement led her to reconsider. “I believe in Divine inspiration,” she said, “where He guides, He will provide.” Out of this came the concept for establishing the Alle-Kiski Cultural Center.

“Linking Generations and Building CommUNITY” is the motto of the newly founded Alle-Kiski Culture Center. Dedicated as a non-profit, educational and informational organization that believes in the dignity and significance of all mankind, the organization will be committed to serving the Alle-Kiski Region with outstanding educational, informational programs and activities (including the arts) in order to foster cultural enrichment, and to prevent community deterioration. The Alle-Kiski Cultural Enrichment Center will consist of seven key components to educate, inform, and enrich the lives of the Alle-Kiski Region residents.

Laurie Johnson-Wade

Laurie says that, “to move forward you have to have good things for your journey.” This reflects a belief in returning to your roots to take the good with you. For Laurie, as a Christian believer, she credits God as her source and strength for all things in her journey. “It really has nothing to do with me,” she says, crediting God for the idea of founding this group and giving her direction.

The Alle-Kiski Cultural Center now has offices set up at 1700 5th Avenue in Arnold. Laurie is Executive Director and serving on the Board of Directors are Larry B. Rowe; Audrey Johnson; Michael H Werries, Jr.; and, Hank Commodore. Board Advisors are Thomas Ceraso (Westmoreland County Commissioner); Gwendolyn Dixon, PhD; Samuel Paolo; LulaMae Williams-Husling; and, Winifred Truax.

Some of the programs are “Passages”, a senior and youth series that will allow senior citizens to mentor and share with area youth their cultural experiences and lessons through storytelling. The program is designed to be in-house at the center and also presented from Senior Citizens' and Day-Care Centers, Schools, Hospitals, and elsewhere. The center will provide community access to a Genealogy Research and Cultural Data Center using a computer research center with ancestry programs, hands-on training and an on-site library of international cultural periodicals. The Center will also offer Celebrate Culture, Cultural Education, Continental Rooms, Cultural Arts, and a Cultural Calendar.

Laurie said that a lot of hard work with much research has gone into developing the Center. Still in its formative stages, there is much more to be done to fully establish the programs. But, this hasn’t deterred Laurie from moving ahead with many events and programs this year. Plans are in the works for Cultural Cuisine cooking show and cook book, a “June Teenth” celebration of the last release of slaves in the United States, Souper Saturdays where soup will sold, photo nights and many other events. You can read about many of these at their web site at www.akculture.org.

Laurie was actually born in Texas because she was raised in a military family. Her early schooling was in Germany. Later they moved back to New Kensington. Married to VonZell Wade, she has three children, Tiffani, 20; Andre, 17; and, Gabriel, 15. Undoubtedly her early experience of moving and being in a military family has made her appreciate her rich family history all the more.

If you are interested in the Alle-Kiski Cultural Center, telephone 724-351-1777 or visit the web site at www.akculture.org.