Hometown Chronicles: Luther and Maudelena Johnson

Local author and Journalist, David Rotenstein, joins us to discuss the mostly forgotten story of Luther and Maudelena Johnson (Rotenstein's NextPittsburgh article) and their role in Pittsburgh's black arts community in the 40s and 50s. The couple were movers and shakers. Luther was one of the city's earliest professional Black photographers and his wife Maudelena was a gifted musician and teacher. Luther photographed people and events for the Pittsburgh Courier while also owning a Centre Avenue photo studio. Inside his studio, he created portraits of men, women, and children for more than 50 years. Local churches prized Maudelena Johnson's musical talents and she directed musical programs for many Black churches. She also founded the acclaimed Treble Clef Choir. In the 1950s, the Johnsons' home became a hub for Black cultural events and their neighbors included a popular jazz musician, two doctors, teachers, and many Black business owners. 

David S. Rotenstein is a historian, folklorist, and award-winning freelance writer. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and he writes about urban history, race, and the history of organized crime in Pittsburgh.