Kenneth D. Wade

Kenneth Darnell Wade, age 72, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on August 13, 2023. Born on January 21, 1951, in New York, NY, Kenneth was a loving husband, father, friend, leader, mentor, and family man. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Kenneth was a man of many admirable qualities and talents. He was known for his generosity, humor, intelligence, radical activism, cooking, and love for the outdoors. His vibrant personality touched the lives of those around him and left a lasting impact.

Kenneth's father James D. Wade was in the U.S. Navy. Thus, Kenneth's elementary and middle school years were spent in Roxbury, MA, on the Naval Base in Norfolk, VA, and in his beloved Gaffney, SC. Kenneth was a proud 1968 graduate of the English High School in Boston, where he met a special group of lifelong friends, “The Conservatives.” He entered Springfield College with a major in Community Leadership and Development.

In his career, Kenneth dedicated himself to housing, youth development, and community reinvestment. From 1971 to 1977, he worked for community organizations that served low-income and troubled youth in Roxbury. Throughout the 1980s, Kenneth was a valued member of United South End Settlements, an organization that provided assistance to low-income families and seniors. He excelled in various roles related to the creation and accessibility of high-quality, affordable housing for residents of the South End in Boston.

For twenty-one years in Boston and Washington, DC, Kenneth served as a local, regional, and national leader at NeighborWorks America. This organization allowed him to continue his passion for creating and expanding high-quality, affordable housing. His exceptional leadership skills as CEO led to his selection by two U.S. Presidents, George W. Bush and Barack H. Obama, to serve on their financial education and advisory committees.

From 2011 to 2016, Kenneth held the position of Corporate Executive for Global Corporate Social Responsibility at Bank of America in Charlotte, NC, where he continued to advocate for civil rights and community reinvestment. He retired from Bank of America in 2016, leaving behind a strong legacy.

Kenneth was a radical and an activist. His passion for fighting for social justice began in high school and it grew early in his college life. His first experience with direct action was as a freshman member of the Black Student organization's sit-in, demanding African-American courses get added to Springfield College's curriculum. His first arrest was as a sophomore in '69 protesting the Vietnam War and its connection to welfare rights. Kenneth's commitment to social justice was global. In 1970, he joined the Venceremos Brigade, traveling to Cuba to cut sugar cane for the 10-million ton sugar harvest and to build relationships between U.S. and Cuban activists. Ken had great adventures while in Cuba! His grassroots activism continued through work with Struggle Collective, the African Liberation Support Committee (Free South Africa Movement), the Black United Front (anti-police brutality), the Black Political Task Force (voter registration and outreach), the Greater Roxbury Neighborhood Authority (housing and urban development empowerment), and the Clamshell Alliance (fighting nuclear power in NH). In retirement in Charlotte, Ken continued his activism as Chair of the North Carolina ACLU and with Juanita he continued work around safe voter participation efforts led by Democracy NC.

Kenneth is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Juanita Brooks Wade, who he met in February 1968 at a house party. In fact, Juanita was Ken's senior prom date! They married on September 18, 1971 at Eliot Congregational Church in Roxbury, where they did youth activism work together. Kenneth and Juanita had fifty-two years of loving marriage.

Kenneth enjoyed life with Juanita, his children, and their friends! Though born in NY and retired in Charlotte, Kenneth was a Roxbury man, a true Bostonian! His favorite activities included dancing with Juanita, hosting Kwanzaa feasts, NFL Sundays, playing football and basketball as both a youth and adult, cooking and grilling, fishing and camping trips, watching the Patriots and the Celtics, swimming, listening to classic Soul music, being a member of the Swanks social club, and traveling. Kenneth was humble, quiet and reserved. However, he had a particular knack for holding court to tell jokes, talk about Black history and politics, do magic card tricks, and share information about his family genealogy.

Kenneth was a gentle, fun, and wise father and grandfather. He leaves behind his son Terrence Wade of Boston, his daughters Karima Wade-Greene of Washington, DC and Jamila Felton of Maryland, his grandsons Kenneth Wade-Greene, Malcolm and Jahlil Felton, and sons-in-law Nelson Greene and Melvin A. Felton, Jr. He is also survived by his brothers Dr. Kelvin Wade (Vivian) of Louisiana and James Wade of South Carolina, and his sisters Suzanne Bonnar and Sarah Wade of the United Kingdom. Additionally, he leaves behind many close cousins from his South Carolina lineage, beloved in-laws, nieces, other relatives, and hundreds of friends, classmates, comrades, colleagues, and mentees.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, James Dunham Wade and Myrtle Lorraine Wade of Blacksburg, SC, and his beloved Aunt Parneice "P" Corry.

Kenneth Darnell Wade will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family, to improving the lives of others, and to his profound impact on Black and low-income communities. He will be dearly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire and uplift. May his soul rest in power.

Livestream link for Celebration of Life - https://boxcast.tv/channel/zquxz5bwrzwr2hu2l9en

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Ken's honor to Democracy North Carolina, democracync.org.