On the job with Eva Johnson who leads Harrison Cultural Community Centre in Lorain

Key Takeaways:

• Eva Johnson, retired teacher, is the new program director at Harrison Cultural Community Centre in Lorain.
• She aims to revitalize and expand the center’s community programming.
• Johnson is the only paid staff member, managing daily operations and coordinating with program partners.
• An upcoming event, “A Day at Harrison” on February 22, aims to honor the center’s legacy and engage the community.
• The center is housed in Lorain’s oldest standing school building, saved from demolition in 1992.

A Teacher’s New Mission

Eva Johnson, originally from Sandusky, spent over three decades shaping young minds as a teacher in Lorain City Schools. Upon retiring, she felt a calling to engage more deeply with the community that had been the backdrop of her career. “During my time teaching, that was my main focus,” she reflected. “I paid attention to some things in the community, but my priority was always my students and getting them where they needed to be.”

Stepping into Leadership at Harrison Cultural Community Centre

In October, Johnson embraced a new role as the program director of the Harrison Cultural Community Centre, located at 1922 Hamilton Ave. in Lorain. The iconic facility, steeped in history, became the perfect avenue for her renewed community involvement. “When I retired, I thought about how involved my mom was in different community groups when we moved here, and I wanted to learn more about the community myself,” she shared.

Revitalizing Community Programming

Tasked with revitalizing and expanding the center’s offerings, Johnson is determined to rebuild its programming and outreach. “My role is to connect with different organizations and bring programming back to Harrison,” she explained. Currently, the only steady program is Start W/ Art with artist Jeff Pye, but Johnson envisions much more.

Her first event, a Kwanzaa paint party in December, was a resounding success. “People really enjoyed it, so I’d love to do it again,” she said. She is also piloting tutoring services and plans to introduce programming for seniors. “I have so many ideas running through my head,” Johnson enthused.

Managing Solo with Community Support

As the center’s only paid staff member, Johnson wears many hats, handling everything from answering calls and emails to coordinating with program partners. “I do whatever needs to be done,” she stated. Despite the workload, she credits the active board members for their unwavering support. “There are a couple of board members I talk to almost every day, whether just to check in or see if I need any assistance, which is really nice.”

Upcoming Event: A Day at Harrison

On February 22, the center will host “A Day at Harrison” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event aims to honor the center’s legacy and recognize longtime community leader Sally Peoples. Attendees can look forward to presentations from artist Jeff Pye and a keynote speech from Lorain County Urban League President and CEO Parris Smith. “My goal is to have something happening at Harrison every month,” Johnson declared. “I don’t want this building to sit empty again. We’re focused on bringing good things to the community.”

A Historical Gem Saved and Restored

The Harrison Cultural Community Centre is housed in the oldest standing school building in Lorain, built in 1904. In 1992, facing demolition, three retired schoolteachers—Jacqueline Greenhill, Emily Mosely, and the late Deloris Warfield—stepped in with a vision. Armed with little more than great passion for youngsters, they garnered community support and raised $17,000 to purchase and restore the once-neglected building.

A Mission Rooted in Community

Committed to strengthening self, family, and community, the center provides a secure Afro-centric and multicultural environment that offers educational, recreational, and social services. Over the years, it has hosted a variety of programs, including Black History celebrations, Juneteenth parades and festivals, Kwanzaa events, boxing, martial arts, the Start with Art traveling program, the Boys 2 Men Reading Program, Alpha Kappa Alpha’s college prep, and various community meetings.

Looking Forward

Eva Johnson’s dedication signals a new chapter for the Harrison Cultural Community Centre. With her at the helm, the center aims to become a vibrant hub once more, reflecting the spirit and needs of the community it serves. “I’ve found so much joy in learning about a service and then being able to connect someone who needs it,” Johnson said. Her efforts embody the center’s original mission and promise a bright future for this historical landmark.