PRESIDENT
Term: 5/17/24 - 5/17/27

Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge is the first President of the Celia Newsom Legacy Foundation.  She is also the second great-granddaughter of Celia and Robert Newsom by way of Jennie Newsom Broadwater Lewis (Paternal Great-Grandmother),Charles W. Lewis (Paternal Grandfather), and Richard S. Westbrooks (Father).

Pamela learned she was a descendant of Celia and Robert Newsom in 2023 after undergoing DNA testing and receiving outreach from Celia/Robert Newsom Descendant Casondra Turner-Liwanga and Robert Newsom Descendant Nancy Fogle Compos.  Prior to their outreach, Pamela was already intimately familiar with Celia’s story due to her husband’s (Harlan Hodge) video production support of Celia Candlelight Vigils in 2007 and 2008.  Celia’s portrait hung in Pamela’s home for nearly 15 years before Pamela was told of her DNA connection to Celia and Robert Newsom!  

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, wife, mother, and retired General Partner from Edward Jones Investments (Internal Audit), Pamela strives to live a life of purpose and service to others. As a member of the Missouri State Board of Education, the Governor’s School Funding Task Force, and Founder of the Scholarship Solution, Pamela passionately advocates for equitable education opportunities for all Missouri children. Pamela is also a 35-year life member and past Chapter President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a member of the Links Incorporated, and serves on the Board of Directors for Beyond Housing, a community development organization dedicated to uplifting the St. Louis region. With a commitment to continuous learning, Pamela holds a BS in Finance, an MBA, and held multiple financial, technology, and cybersecurity audit certifications until her retirement from Edward Jones in 2024.

VICE PRESIDENT & CELIA’S LEAD PARDON ATTORNEY
Term: 5/17/24 - 5/17/27

Casondra Turner-Liwanga is a mother, wife, lawyer, and the first Vice President of the Celia Newsom Legacy Foundation.  She is also the fourth great-granddaughter of Celia and Robert Newsom by way of Jennie Newsom Broadwater Lewis (Paternal Third Great-Grandmother), Julia Lewis Topp (Paternal Second Great-Grandmother), Tabitha Topp Turner Goggins (Paternal Great-Grandmother), Reverend William Allen Turner (Paternal Grandfather),and Allen Jerome Turner (Father).

Casondra learned through her grandfather's research and travels to Missouri in the 1990s that she was a descendant. But it was on mission trips to Mexico and the Caribbean as a child that she became deeply passionate about helping the poor and marginalized at home and abroad, leading her to become a lawyer. Casondra has practiced law for more than a decade and is a former board member of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, the co-founder of an international non-profit, and an investor in Central African development. Casondra is a Senior Counsel at Milberg, where she represents plaintiffs in data privacy class action litigation, and she is also an Adjunct Professor of criminal justice and business law to undergraduate and master's students at a Georgia HBCU, where she was awarded Adjunct Faculty of the Year in 2023 for reestablishing the university's prelaw program and helping students gain admission to law school. Fulfilling a lifelong dream, Casondra prepared the pardon application for Celia Newsom that was granted by Missouri Governor Michael L. Parson in December 2024- the first of its kind in Missouri history.

SECRETARY
Term: 5/18/25 to 5/18/28

Christine Reed Murray is a native and current resident of Boston, Massachusetts, Christine is the third great-granddaughter of Celia and Robert Newsom by way of Jennie Newsom, Broadwater Lewis (Paternal Second Great-Grandmother), Julia Lewis Topp (Paternal Great- Grandmother), Virginia Topp Reed (Grandmother), and William Reed, Jr. (Father). Christine holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and works at Vista Higher Learning, Incorporated as a Sr. AR Specialist. Christine served as a board member for The Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity, Incorporated (Metco, Inc.). Christine is honored to join forces with family and the community to preserve Celia’s rich legacy.

CO-TREASURER
Term: 5/17/24 - 5/17/27

India Turner Hampton serves as the first Co-Treasurer of the Celia Newsom Legacy Foundation.  She is also the third great-granddaughter of Celia and Robert Newsom by way of Jennie Newsom Broadwater Lewis (Paternal Second Great-Grandmother), Julia Lewis Topp (Paternal Great-Grandmother), Tabitha Topp Turner Goggins (Paternal Grandmother), and Reverend William Allen Turner (Father).

India and her husband, LeRoy Hampton, founded S.T.A.N.D., Inc., a nonprofit organization established in Massachusetts with a branch in Florida that focuses on developing businesses and programming to promote family-based music and arts educational products and services, especially in underserved communities. India is also a retiree of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts - Data Manager, IT. Uplifting and serving the underserved and overlooked is her passion.

CO-TREASURER
Term: 5/17/24 - 5/17/27

Allen Jerome Turner serves as the first Assistant Treasurer of the Celia Newsom Legacy Foundation.  He is also the third great-grandson of Celia and Robert Newsom by way of Jennie Newsom Broadwater Lewis (Paternal Second Great-Grandmother), Julia Lewis Topp (Paternal Great-Grandmother), Tabitha Topp Turner Goggins (Paternal Grandmother), and Reverend William Allen Turner (Father).  

He is also the father of Casondra Turner and Honara’ Turner, has four grandchildren, and has been married to Carmelita for 39 years. Currently residing in Decatur, GA (just outside Atlanta, GA), Allen is a Print Account Executive with Staples, Inc. He is also a minister at Cross Culture Church in Stonecrest, GA.

MEMBER AT LARGE
Term: 5/18/24 - 5/18/27

Julia Gray is the second great-granddaughter of Celia and Robert Newsom by way of Jennie Newsom Broadwater Lewis (Maternal Great-Grandmother),Julia Lewis Topp (Maternal Grandmother), and Mary Kathryn Topp Gray (Mother). 

Julia is a highly motivated Financial professional with a strong background in construction accounting. With a passion for family heritage and the development of young girls, Julia brings a wealth of heart, passion, administrative leadership skills, and knowledge to the CNLF. She has mentored teenage girls in her local church and volunteered in multiple auxiliaries. She is eager to contribute to the CNLF’s success by leveraging her professional insights, experience, and organizational structure expertise. Julia studied accounting at Bay State College in Boston.

MEMBER AT LARGE:
Term: 5/18/24 - 5/18/27

Jerome Gray is the second great-grandson of Celia and Robert Newsom, by way of Jennie Newsom Broadwater Lewis (Maternal Great-Grandmother),Julia Lewis Topp (Maternal Grandmother), and Mary Kathryn Topp Gray (Mother).

Jerome is also a proud Father of gifted adult and adolescent daughters and an accomplished HVACRI Technician with over 30 years of experience with leading corporations (Raytheon Intelligence, Critical Labs, etc.). An avid lover of Chess, Jazz, Literature, and African American History, Jerome is honored to share Celia’s story of dehumanization and injustice, inspiring others to advocate for the humane treatment of marginalized people.

MEMBER AT LARGE & DOCUMENTARY/MEDIA COMMITTEE CHAIR
Term: 5/18/25 to 5/18/28

Chantel Hampton is the fourth great-granddaughter of Celia and Robert Newsom by way of Jennie Newsom Broadwater Lewis (Maternal Third Great-Grandmother), Julia Lewis Topp (Maternal Second Great-Grandmother), Tabitha Topp Turner Goggins (Maternal Great- Grandmother), Reverend William Allen Turner (Maternal Grandfather),and India Turner Hampton (Mother). Through her grandfather’s research and travels to Missouri in the 1990s, Chantel discovered her rich ancestry and developed a passion for telling her family’s story through the arts.

A resident of Orlando, FL, Chantel serves as a Pastor, Educator, and Music Industry Consultant.  Drawing from these extensive experiences, Chantel has contributed to numerous award-winning projects — from writing and performing for the Whitney Houston film I Wanna Dance with Somebody, to serving as a background vocalist and arranger for numerous artists, and consulting on productions like Gospel Live! hosted by Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr,. Chantel is committed to honoring her family’s story and making a lasting impact through education, creativity, and service.

MEMBER AT LARGE

MEMBER AT LARGE
Term: 6/22/25 to 6/22/28

William I. Reed (Billy) is the second great-grandson of Celia and Robert Newsom, by way of Jennie Newsom Broadwater Lewis (Maternal Great-Grandmother), Julia Lewis Topp (Maternal Grandmother), and Virginia I. Reed (Mother).
Billy is a native of St. Louis, MO, but moved to Boston, Massachusetts at a young age, where he married, raised his family, and has now lived for over 60 years.  A proud father of three children, ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, Billy is also a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who served in the Vietnam era. Billy also served Amtrak for 27 years in Boston before retiring.    Billy has a deep love and passion for jazz music and football heroes- the New England Patriots. 

MEMBER AT LARGE
Term: 6/22/25 to 6/22/28

Nancy Fogle-Compos, is the fourth great-granddaughter of Robert Newsom and his wife, Elizabeth Gwinn Newsom. A native of Kansas City, MO, Nancy Fogle-Compos life’s work is transporting people into the past and helping them connect with their roots. Inspired by her Grandmother, an avid researcher, Nancy is a passionate genealogist with a 25-year history of helping people research their family histories. Nancy uses these talents to locate Celia and Robert Newsom descendants across the country. Nancy is also a member of the Celia Newsom Legacy Foundation Presentation Team and the President of the newly created Newsom Family Cemetery Association.

MEMBER AT LARGE
Term: 6/22/25 to 6/22/28

Carmen N. Brandt was born and raised in Fulton, Missouri and is a highly regarded Community Leader. Carmen has been heavily involved in working to renovate Carver School into a senior living facility for about eight years and is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Kingdom Christian Academy.  Carmen is also the current Vice President of the Friends of the Churchill Museum and works as Director at the Center for Women’s Ministry.  A long-time public servant in Callaway County, Carmen along with other Fulton Community Leaders, introduced the first Celia Candlelight vigil over two decades ago and has been an active member of the Justice for Celia Coalition. Carmen testified in favor of the Celia Senate Bill in April 2024.  Carmen also served on the Fulton Human Rights Commission for about eight years including time as president.  While her public service roles have been numerous, her favorite role is that of a Mom and Grandma.  

MEMBER AT LARGE
Term: 6/22/25 to 6/22/28

Tom Clapp was born and raised in Fulton, Missouri and graduated from Westminster College in 1979. Tom purchased and managed an insurance agency which he then sold to the Naught-Naught Insurance Agency. A long time Celia supporter, Tom has dedicated his life to standing in the gap for marginalized people and serves as the President of the Fulton Human Rights Commission (FHRC). As a member of the FHRC, Tom Clapp partnered with Carmen Brandt to plan and execute Celia Candlelight vigils for over 2 decades to honor Celia’s life and legacy. Tom is also a Thespian and works to bring Celia’s story to life through various Celia stage productions.

MEMBER AT LARGE
Term: 6/22/25 to 6/22/28

Patricia (Pat) Smith-Thurman is a prominent retired Mastercard executive based in the St. Louis/Chesterfield, Missouri area and the wife of Celia Portrait Creator, Solomon Thurman, Jr. Pat was introduced to Celia by St. Louis civil rights attorney, the late Margaret Bush Wilson when Attorney Wilson commissioned Solomon to paint a portrait of “Celia.”  The Thurmans have spent over 3 decades, researching Celia, meeting with her descendants and bringing her image to life.  The portrait of Celia was unveiled at the Missouri History Museum in 1995. Thanks to Pat’s diligence, Celia’s portrait is also on permanent display at the Equal Justice Institute (EJI) Legacy Museum in Montgomery, AL. .  The Solomons have co-founded art galleries in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and St. Louis, MO.

MEMBER AT LARGE, FAMILY HERITAGE COMMITTEE CHAIR & EDUCATION COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
Term: 6/22/25 to 6/22/28

Dr. Traci Wilson-Kleekamp is a recent PhD graduate from the University of Missouri, College of Education- successfully defending her dissertation entitled “Celia Newsom- A Radical Resister.”  Her research specializes in critical family history, with a focus on the power dynamics of families that shape identity.  Dr. Wilson-Kleekamp has invested over 2 decades meeting with Celia descendants, researching Celia’s life and affirming Celia’s humanity. Dr. Wilson-Kleekamp is the author of “Descendants of Celia and Robert Newsom Speak. “  This 2020 paper deploys narrative inquiry and analysis to capture the oral history of two families’ intergenerational memory of Celia. It is the first scholarly investigation into the intergenerational memory of both black and white descendants of Robert Newsom, and the first to be conducted utilizing the theory of critical family history. 

Dr. Kleekamp-Wilson is drawn to research projects that examine narrative erasures, which distort historical narratives of minoritized individuals, such as African American women and children. A published author of numerous genealogy works, Dr. Wilson-Kleekamp has presented her work at notable conferences through her affiliation with the University of Missouri and has been a frequent guest on radio programs and podcasts discussing race, diversity, and inclusion in various community structures.

Outside of academia and professional work, Dr. Wilson-Kleekamp is also engaged in community work and interdisciplinary collaboration related to the study of water.

Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge is the first President of the Celia Newsom Legacy Foundation.  She is also the second great-granddaughter of Celia and Robert Newsom by way of Jennie Newsom Broadwater Lewis (Paternal great-grandmother) Charles W. Lewis (Paternal Grandfather), and Richard S. Westbrooks (Father).

Pamela learned she was a descendant of Celia and Robert Newsom in 2023 after undergoing DNA testing and receiving outreach from Celia/Robert Newsom Descendant Casondra Turner-Liwanga and Robert Newsom Descendant Nancy Fogle Compos.  Prior to their outreach, Pamela was already intimately familiar with Celia’s story due to her husband’s (Harlan Hodge) video production support of Celia Candlelight Vigils in the mid-2000s.  Celia’s portrait hung in Pamela’s home for nearly 15 years before Pamela was told of her DNA connection to Celia and Robert Newsom!  

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, wife, mother, and retired General Partner from Edward Jones Investments (Internal Audit), Pamela strives to live a life of purpose and service to others. As a member of the Missouri State Board of Education, the Governor’s School Funding Task Force, and Founder of the Scholarship Solution, Pamela passionately advocates for equitable education opportunities for all Missouri children. Pamela is also a 35-year life member and past Chapter President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a member of the Links Incorporated, and serves on the Board of Directors for Beyond Housing, a community development organization dedicated to uplifting the St. Louis region. With a commitment to continuous learning, Pamela holds a BS in Finance, an MBA, and held multiple financial, technology, and cybersecurity audit certifications until her retirement from Edward Jones in 2024.

Nancy Fogle-Compos is the fourth Great Granddaughter of Robert Newsom and his wife, Elizabeth Gwinn Newsom. A native of Kansas City, MO, Nancy Fogle-Compos life’s work is transporting people into the past and helping them connect with their roots. Inspired by her Grandmother, an avid researcher, Nancy is a passionate genealogist with a 25-year history of helping people research their family histories. Nancy uses these talents to locate Celia and Robert Newsom's descendants across the country.

Solomon Thurman, Jr.- is a native of St. Louis, Missouri, a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is a career artist, author, researcher, and teacher and was introduced to the Celia story by St. Louis civil rights attorney, the late Margaret Bush Wilson. She commissioned him to paint a portrait of “Celia,” a slave from Fulton, MO. With no historical photo reference, he set out to find & paint the face of Celia in 1994. The painting was unveiled at the Missouri Historical Society in 1995. He compiled two booklets on Celia; the first, “The Face of Celia,” documents his experience while painting the portrait; the second, written ten years later, depicted Celia’s life, titled “Celia, V.S. the State of Missouri.” Celia’s digital image is on permanent display at the Equal Justice Institute (EJI) Legacy Museum in Montgomery, AL. Solomon co-founded art galleries in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and St. Louis, MO.

A native of Truckee, California, Dr. Nichol Allen began her career journey by enlisting in the United States military after graduating from high school. Her service career took her to various locations, and in 2008, she settled in the Midwest. She earned a PhD in History from Southern Illinois University, specializing in African American and American History. Today, she serves as an Assistant Professor of Museum Studies and History and the Coordinator of the Museum Studies Program at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. Dr. Allen teaches Celia’s story to her students and serves as Chair of the CNLF Education Committee.

Dr. Zachary Dowdle is an Assistant Professor of History at Westminster University in Fulton, Missouri, and was awarded Distinguished Professor of the Year at William Woods. His work focuses on Missouri Law as it relates to enslaved people. He teaches Celia in his classes and is passionate about securing justice for her.