Shedding a Light on Erie's Black History
This presentation consists of photos from the Lawrence's Family archives
highlighting both the role of the Lawrence Family in the musical life of Erie, Pa.
from the early 1900s through the 1960s and Ada Lawrence pursuit of becoming
the first Black teacher in Erie since the 1880s. – Johnny Johnson, M.Ed.
Johnny Johnson, M.Ed., is a native of Covington, GA, and has been a resident of Erie for 45 years. Mr. Johnson taught health and physical education at various middle and high schools in Erie’s Public Schools for more than 30 years before retiring. He coached many athletic teams and was the first African American to coach a varsity basketball team in Erie’s history. He earned his master’s degree in Curriculum and Administration in HPE from Slippery Rock University after earning his bachelor’s degree in education from Fort Valley State University. He is one of the founding members of the Harry T. Burleigh Society, has participated in numerous historical programs, and is the author of Erie African Americans in the 1880s.
