[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 36 (Thursday, February 25, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S888-S889]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO VERNIS JACKSON

 Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am proud to recognize Vernis 
Jackson of Portsmouth as February's Granite Stater of the Month. 
Jackson is the founder of the Seacoast African American Cultural Center 
and played a critical role in establishing the African Burying Ground 
in downtown Portsmouth.
  Jackson moved to Portsmouth from her hometown of Savannah, GA, in 
1963 and in 1974 joined another Granite Stater in organizing the first 
chartered organization, Kwanza, for African-American women in New 
Hampshire. The group worked to support young people and communities on 
the Seacoast; however, Jackson felt that there was more that she could 
do to elevate African-American achievements in the State.
  In 2000, Jackson founded the Seacoast African American Cultural 
Center, which holds concerts, educational programs, and exhibits to 
help highlight the contributions, both modern and historical, that 
individuals of African descent have made to communities on the Seacoast 
and around the world.
  Jackson, who taught for 38 years in the Portsmouth school system, 
wanted to make sure that the center could be used as a resource for 
students. Thanks to Jackson's leadership, the center works closely with 
schools across Portsmouth, including holding art exhibits for middle 
school students and providing scholarships for high school students of 
color.
  In 2016, the center featured an exhibit featuring dolls of color, and 
last year it hosted an exhibit showcasing photos from former President 
Barack Obama's White House photographer Pete Souza.
  Jackson also helped lead efforts in Portsmouth to establish the 
African

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Burying Ground, which commemorates the spot where 13 individuals of 
African descent were buried in the 18th century.
  Jackson's work to elevate the stories and culture of African 
Americans on the Seacoast and around the world represents the best of 
New Hampshire's efforts to create a more informed, inclusive, and just 
State that is welcoming of all people and backgrounds. I am honored to 
recognize her efforts and wish the center continued success.

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