Vera Jackson - Williams is the Founder and President of the Solomon Northup Foundation (SNF). Her primary vision for the foundation is to raise awareness of the experience of Solomon Northup a free man, who was kidnapped, sold into slavery and other Africans and African Americans throughout history whose labor was fundamental to the development of the economic infrastructure of this great country. Unfortunately, the majority of their stories have been omitted from our history books resulting in generations of African Americans being viewed as “just slaves” vs. the vital assets they were and are today. Vera has been interviewed by TV networks, radio, newspapers and provided presentations on her ancestor Solomon Northup.
She has worked in the Information Technology (IT) industry for over 30 years in both government and corporate industries. Vera is the Great, Great, Great Granddaughter of Solomon Northup, |
Justin Dixon Northup Gilliam is the CEO of the Solomon Northup Foundation and has worked closely with the Founder and President of the SNF to develop the business infrastructure of the foundation. He also leads the foundation mission “Keeping the Flame Burning” through education, awareness and research. Justin, has been an IT Professional and Business Consultant in the Washington DC area for the past decade. He is the father of daughter, Azalea and alum of the historic Howard University.
Justin has been the voice of Solomon Northup Foundation, along with other descendants supporting the efforts of preservation as well as education through guided tours, panel discussions and presentations throughout the country. He has been interviewed by TV networks, newspapers, and radio as a spokesperson and advocate for the foundations mission. Also continuing to be instrumental in the day to day operations of the foundation as Director of IT, Justin manages and supports all of the foundations IT systems and users. Justin is the Great, Great, Great, Great Grandson of Solomon Northup. |
Clayton "Jamie" Adams is the Executive Director and Corporate Historian of the Solomon Northup Foundation. Clayton is a devoted husband, father, published author and poet who has worked within the banking and real estate title industries for the last sixteen years. He has also worked with the Pittsburgh Public School's Social Studies Department to ensure the text books used for the African American studies classes mention Solomon Northup.
Clayton has become a lecturer and educator on Solomon Northup. Clayton has created a mini booklet of poetry that was inspired by different scenes within Solomon's book "Twelve Years A Slave." The mini booklet of poetry also includes Clayton's very first public speech about Solomon Northup; written in July of 1999. Clayton is a valuable asset to the SNF as a public speaker, historian and researcher. He is working to help SNF achieve the mission, “Keeping the Flame Burning.” Clayton is the Great, Great, Great Grandson of Solomon Northup. |
Eileen C. Jackson is the Regional Director and represents the Solomon Northup Foundation in the Southern and Western regions of the United States and is a registered nurse specializing in pediatrics. She has worked as a healthcare professional for over 35 years. Eileen has traveled to Louisiana numerous times to trace Solomon’s footsteps and has toured the “Solomon Northup Trail” visiting various locations and plantations in Avoyelles Parish where Solomon was enslaved.
Eileen has also met descendants of people in Lousiana who performed important roles in Solomon’s life while he was enslaved. She has attended marker unveilings in Markesville and New Orleans, Louisiana, spoken on radio broadcasts, given presentations, attended book signings, "Keeping the Flame Burning". Eileen is the Great, Great, Great Granddaughter of Solomon Northup, |