February’s Granite Stater of the Month is Elevating African American Stories and Cultures on the Seacoast
Eleven years after Vernis Jackson moved to Portsmouth, she began her work elevating the stories and cultures of African Americans on the Seacoast.
After recognizing the lack of a formal community for African American women, she helped organize the first chartered organization for African American Women in New Hampshire, known as Kwanza.
But Vernis did not stop there — she wanted to do more. So in 2000, she founded the Seacoast African American Cultural Center which celebrates the continued contributions that individuals of African descent have made to the Seacoast community and around the world through concerts, educational programs, and exhibits.
After spending 38 years in the Portsmouth school system, Vernis wanted to ensure that the Center could be used as a resource for students. As a result, the Center also works with schools across Portsmouth to educate students through holding art exhibits, providing scholarships, and more.
Vernis’ work continued as she helped lead efforts in Portsmouth to establish the African Burying Ground, which commemorates the spot where 13 individuals of African-descent were buried in the 18th century.
Vernis has dedicated her life to elevating the voices and culture of African Americans on the Seacoast and around the world — and I applaud her efforts to make New Hampshire a more inclusive, informed, and welcoming state. That’s why I’m proud to recognize her as February’s Granite Stater of the Month.
Do you know a Granite Stater who should be next month’s Granite Stater of the Month? Nominate them here.
