Candidate Profile: Adriene Atkinson

  • Apr 15, 2020
  • Adriene Atkinson

Adriene Atkinson, Candidate for SC House District 25

 

Why did you choose Emerge? 

I chose Emerge because it was crucial for me to have the best educational foundation and set of working tools before I made the decision to run for office.

 

What office are you running for and why? 

I’m running for House of Representatives District 25. My decision to run is based on my desire to see ALL of the communities in my district receive the support and advocacy we need to ensure that our communities are thriving.  Greenville is a fast growing city, but the growth, booming economy, and revitalization has not been experienced by many people in my District.  I want to change that.

 

What is your vision for your community?

My vision for my community is to see District 25 repaired , restored and revived.  I want ALL citizens in District 25 to enjoy a good quality of life like the rest of Greenville does.

 

What/Who inspires you to run for office?

After witnessing the numerous women across the country stepping up to run for office after one of the darkest days in this country’s political history, I made the decision the day after the 2018 election that I would not only step up, but I would step out into my community and be the change that I wanted to see.

 

Which Democratic woman inspires you and why?

As the first African American woman elected to Congress, Shirley Chisolm is the ultimate inspiration.  However, it was Tennessee Senator Katrina Robinson, an Emerge alumnae, whose story captured my attention in 2018.  Her will and determination brought me to tears, and I knew in that moment, the calling was upon me.

 

What’s the one thing you gained from Emerge and would like to share with others?

Emerge SC was the most dynamic experience for which I could have ever asked.  The training, the support, and the genuine sense of sisterhood I experienced with my Emerge SC 2019 Cohort was everything I needed to give me the confidence I needed to make the decision to run for office.

 

To learn more about Adriene visit: https://www.facebook.com/Adriene-Atkinson-for-District-25-106071801050149/