Panel Discussion: Racial Justice in Our Community

Creating a Racially Just Community
A Panel Conversation Series

In June 2020, Portsmouth’s City Council passed a Resolution declaring Portsmouth a Racial Justice Municipality. What does that mean to you?

Join the Portsmouth Public Library a year on, for a three-week online conversation series on racial justice in our community and beyond. This series is co-hosted with Black Heritage Trail New Hampshire and sponsored in part by Kennebunk Savings, with additional support from Piscataqua Savings Bank.

We will offer three panel conversations on racial justice featuring Seacoast leaders, educators, business owners and activists. Panels will be moderated by library staff, with time for Q&A so members of our community can chime in.

Panel Discussion: Racial Justice in Our Community
Wednesday June 30 | 7 – 8 PM

Join Seacoast leaders and activists to hear how we can achieve racial justice in our community.

More about our panelists:

Moderator Courtney Marshall is a scholar of African-American literature and Black feminism.  She currently teaches English at Phillips Exeter Academy where she also serves as Associate Dean of Advising.

Tanisha Johnson is currently an Exeter, NH resident. She was raised in New Jersey and spent much of her adulthood in Pennsylvania. She has over 10 years of experience in nonprofit management within community service, youth programs, mental health, and wellness services. In July 2020, Tanisha co-founded the Black Lives Matter Seacoast Chapter. She also serves on the Racial Unity Team Board as Vice Chair of the Board along with the Program Chair for the organization.

Clifton West is a co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Seacoast Chapter and V.P. of Public Affairs for the NH Young Democrats. 

Cindy Khoury is a lifestyle blogger and local influencer. A writer for Seacoast Moms and Co-leader of Exeter Chapter Women's Business League, she has been featured on NHPR, NH Talk Radio and other local podcasts. You can learn more about Cindy at SeeBeautyInEveryone.com where she uplifts businesses, inspires individuals and encourages all to see beauty in everyone.

JerriAnne Boggis is the executive director of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, the founder and director of The Harriet Wilson Project; and the previous Director of Diversity Programs & Community Outreach at the University of New Hampshire.

Cliff Lazenby is in his fourth year as a City Councilor. In June 2020 he collaborated with Seacoast leaders to author the "Racial Justice Municipality" declaration for Portsmouth. With unanimous City Council support, the declaration acknowledged an ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, diversity and justice. Cliff earned a B.A. in Government from Harvard and lives in Portsmouth with his wife and two daughters, who all believe Black Lives Matter.

Don't miss the other events in the series! Free and open to all. Register for one or all, and join the discussion.

Registration required – sign up for each event to receive a Zoom link.

Questions? Write to us at libraryevents@cityofportsmouth.com.