Della Moore

Della Moore led the African American Center for Cultural Development for more than 10 years. A dedicated volunteer, Ms. Moore is known for her generous spirit and boundless energy.

Ms. Moore moved with her family to Olean from Philadelphia in 1972 because she and her late husband, who was born and raised in the area, knew it was a good place to raise their children. Over the subsequent four decades, she embraced the community and invested her time and energy to making it a better place. An active volunteer for the Greater Olean Area Churches, Olean Historical Society, and other local nonprofits, Ms. Moore’s contributions and connections stretch far and wide.

Ms. Moore is passionate about her project, the advancement of the African American Center for Cultural Development, which she co-founded in 2010. As the Center’s director, Ms. Moore has worked to raise awareness of the talents, lives and history of African Americans in the Southern Tier, and highlight the region’s key role in the Underground Railroad.

After several years searching for a permanent headquarters for the organization, Ms. Moore’s hard work was answered in the form of a generous donation — a stately Queen Anne style home in Olean. Renovations are ongoing, with an expected grand opening before the end of 2021. Truly dedicated to her mission and community, Ms. Moore is in development and is partnering with area colleges and the Olean Business Development to exchange resources and support.

Ms. Moore credits her strong support system, led by her sister, Marlena, and granddaughter, Joleen, with keeping her going.

When asked by an Olean Times Herald reporter what motivates her, she said, “The sincere belief that God has put me here, to do this, in this time, in this season. It is what I must do. It is a talent I dare not waste or throw away. I am too humbly grateful to shrug it off.”