Rochelle Dahmer, a Pine Belt author, has written a children’s picture book honoring her grandfather, Vernon Dahmer, a local Hattiesburg civil rights hero and former member of the NAACP Youth Council. Known for his activism, Vernon Dahmer famously offered to pay poll taxes for individuals who couldn’t afford them, helping to advance voting rights for African Americans.
Dahmer's picture book, aimed at children aged 9 to 12, uses simple language and illustrations to introduce young readers to critical topics like segregation, voting rights, and racism. Her goal is to make the story of her grandfather's bravery and resilience accessible to children, helping them understand the importance of voting rights and the impact of civil rights movements.
“I think that this book is really important because no one talks about how important each vote is," said Maggie Hallock, a University of Southern Mississippi student. “The concepts and ideas discussed in this book are real-life situations that affect everyone. It’s important for children to start learning about these topics at a young age because it can help prevent future ignorance and start the conversation early.”
Vernon Dahmer was murdered in 1966 when his home was firebombed by the Ku Klux Klan after he publicly announced his support for equal voting rights. Despite the risks, he remained committed to ensuring African Americans had the opportunity to vote, even offering to pay the registration fees for those who couldn’t afford them.
“It’s important for children to learn about civil rights leaders who overcame incredible injustice to shape our country and society into a more fair and equitable place,” said Davy Goldsmith, a technical services manager at USM. “It’s also important for all of us to know the historical truth of our country’s painful past with racial injustices.”
A longtime librarian, Rochelle Dahmer noticed the popularity of non-fiction picture books among children, which inspired her to write her own. Her book aims to spark conversations about civil rights, equality, and the importance of standing up for justice.
