Kisha “Naskish” Jackson-Grant (1973-2018) changed countless lives through her relentless support for her beloved Fort Greene neighbors. She had a steadfast drive and unshakeable faith, and used love and power in concert to move mountains for her community.
For over 20 years, Kisha helped residents access jobs, adult education, and business development services; produced neighborhood empowerment events and programs, and advocated for housing preservation initiatives. She also founded programs like Making Visions Possible and Save Our Youth Through Arts, through which she empowered people to pursue their dreams.
Kisha asked almost everyone she met the same question–“what is your vision?” and then checked in regularly on their progress. Kisha was notorious for her daily morning phone calls and uncanny ability to seemingly be everywhere at once. It was as if she knew–and supported–everyone, everywhere, never making it more than a few dozen feet anywhere in Fort Greene without stopping to talk to someone.
Quotes about Kisha:
DIANE FLEMING
“I can honestly say she was one of the most beautiful people that I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.”
DENISE GUESS
“I don’t think that there’s anybody that I’ve met in the Housing Authority that could replace Kisha. Kisha really had a vision.”
JAMES E. JACKSON
“When she went out there to do something, she made it happen. She wouldn’t stop til it was done. She was so strong.”
RUTHIE JACKSON
“Kisha, she inspired me. She motivated me. Encouraged me. Supported me.”
KENYA JONES-DIAL
“She was the mother of all of us; she was the reason that we all went to college”
LATEEFAH ABU-BAKIR
“I never seen someone that had so much compassion. It’s like she carried Fort Greene and everything else on her shoulders.”
SHAWNTESE JACKSON
“Whenever you spoke to Kisha you felt like you could fly afterwards.”
TYRANA CARTER
“She was such a spirit changer. She’s displayed so much integrity.”
ROMNEY EBONY MONTAGUE
“She is very powerful; her spirit is so strong. I’ve never seen nothing like it. Never.”
JOHN LISBON
“She was a powerful person. And with all that power was love. She took that power and she lifted this community up.”
