Deanna Miller Berry, Candidate for Mayor of Denmark
Why did you choose Emerge?
My reasons for choosing Emerge was solely based on what I had come to learn about the Organization. The past two years of being a political rookie, every platform God placed me, there wasn’t a time I did not encounter influential powerful woman. The thing is, over half of those women I met, I later found out were Emerge Scholars. The level of integrity, poise, and fire that poured from each that I met. Every time I left their presence, I was filled with empowerment & acceptance! The more I learned, it became my #1 choice to acquire the skills and have a coalition / sister hood of powerful women who are also leading their communities by running for office. When I am on assignment, God will always whisper a scripture to confirm the right move and the scripture will resonate / scream to me daily. Ephesians 6:11 ” Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Emerge is a piece of needed armour in order for me to be the leader. Emerge is my helmet. I am girded up! Ready to GO!
What office are you running for and why?
Office of Mayor of Denmark SC. Some will say, because it’s my time. I say, I am running because it’s the PEOPLE’S TIME! For so long, we have had good people who became good politicians that are now failing their constituents because they have lost sight of why they were first appointed. The people cannot be forgotten or thrown away as though they are a foregone conclusion. The people are forced to pay hefty prices for the decisions made without the thought about the people. America is nothing without her people! Until we start taking better care of the people, we will continue to have failed policy that will not only oppress communities, but they will plague our communities with depression. What I fear most is the end result will lead to a hopeless America. To prevent that, cities like mine that’s fighting a Water Crisis, poverty, lack of resources, etc, people like me (Activists) must evolve! I am an activist who assumed my position, and ran for office. #runGirlrun We are the change we seek.
What is your vision for your community?
My vision for my community, aligns with the vision of the people for our city. We are on the pursuit of Hope for Denmark through new Administration, policy / ordinance reform, stimulating our economic development, rebuilding our business district, creating a partnership with the two HBCU’s / School districts housed in our city, strong water / sewer facilities that will be able to sustain the incoming economic development / industry boom, youth centers / programs / community centers, a growing diverse population, and for Denmark to thrive.
What/Who inspires you to run for office?
What I have seen, I cannot unsee. Fighting for my daughter’s life while also trying to save an entire city from Environmental Injustice was the hardest thing I have ever done. There are so many reasons I could give to explain the number of times I wanted to give up, but every time I thought about giving up, it was my family and the people that inspired me. Their faith in me mixed with my daughter’s will to live and my faith in God inspired me to run!
Which Democratic woman inspires you and why?
Katie Porter!!!! She has her “whiteboard of truth!” She is a mom and an advocate turned politician just like me. Katie is a truth seeker, truth bearer, who come with receipts and demands full transparency. Even if it means “writing it out!” She fights hard and doesn’t back down.
What’s the one thing you gained from Emerge and would like to share with others?
Emerge gave me every tool I need to confidently walk into my role as a leader. The one thing I gained most so far is a deeper span of knowledge that I now know how to use to help me not only get elected, but lead my constituents without fail.
To learn more about Deanna visit: https://www.deannamillerberry.com/