The Board of Directors of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire joins everyone in mourning the passing of Rogers Johnson. We extend our sympathies to Poppy, his wife, and to their sons, Jay and Jeremy.
Mr. Johnson was an outstanding public citizen, serving his home town of Stratham, the seacoast region, and New Hampshire with honor and integrity – while also running a business and holding leadership positions in his church.
He served tirelessly as an advocate for African Americans and people of color, especially in his role as President of the Seacoast NAACP. His service to the state General Court is long and distinguished: he was a State Representative, Senator and Majority Whip during his career.
In the last few years, Mr. Johnson served the state as chair of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion, a member of the governor’s COVID-19 Equity Response Team and the Commission on Law Enforcement Accountability, Community, and Transparency. In all his work, he was consistently kind, thoughtful, generous, and honorable.
Mr. Johnson’s contributions to the state often supported the community of black and brown citizens of New Hampshire. He worked to increase the numbers of black persons who live in our state, and he did his part to educate against racism, bringing concerns of black citizens to the attention of state officials.
He will be honored by the BHTNH for his singular and pioneering work as we continue our move out into the state.
Our prayers and good wishes will remain with his family and all who know him. We share in mourning the end of this generous life well-lived with integrity and distinction.
Sincerely yours,
(The Reverend) Robert H. Thompson President,
Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire
