Vernetta Alston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vernetta Alston
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| Member of the North Carolina House of Representatives from the 29th district |
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| Assumed office April 13, 2020 |
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| Preceded by | MaryAnn Black |
| Durham City Councilwoman | |
| In office 2017–2020 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | Durham, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Cardinal Gibbons High School |
| Alma mater | North Carolina State University (BA) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (JD) |
Vernetta Alston is an American politician and lawyer. She is a member of the Democratic Party. She served on the Durham City Council from 2017 to 2020. In 2020, she became a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives.
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Early Life and Education
Vernetta Alston was born in Durham, North Carolina. She grew up in Cary. She went to Immaculata Catholic School in Durham. Later, she graduated from Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh.
She then studied at North Carolina State University. After that, she earned a law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law.
Public Service Career
Vernetta Alston is a lawyer. She worked for organizations that help people with legal issues. One of her jobs was helping people who were wrongly found guilty of crimes. She helped one person, Henry McCollum, who was proven innocent after spending many years in prison.
Serving on the Durham City Council
In 2017, Alston was elected to the Durham City Council. The City Council is a group of people who make decisions for the city. While on the council, she supported a plan to build more affordable homes. This plan helped make sure people could find homes they could afford.
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In 2019, Alston was invited to speak at Immaculata Catholic School for Black History Month. However, the invitation was later taken back. This happened because some people had concerns about her speaking. After some discussion, the school apologized and invited her back. Alston spoke at the school in March 2019 and was welcomed warmly.
Joining the North Carolina House of Representatives
In 2020, a member of the North Carolina General Assembly, MaryAnn Black, passed away. Local Democratic Party leaders suggested that Governor Roy Cooper appoint Alston to fill the open seat.
Alston left her position on the Durham City Council in April 2020. She was sworn in as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives on April 14, 2020. In this role, she helps make laws for the state of North Carolina.
Personal Life
Vernetta Alston is married to Courtney Young. They have two children together. They live in the Hope Valley Country Club area.
