LEKESA "KESHA" WHITNER

Lekesa P. Whitner (pronounced Kesha) is a native of Spartanburg County, a mother, wife, friend, pastor, and philanthropist, and is a longtime advocate for families in the Spartanburg community. She is the daughter of a textile mill worker who worked hard in the mill until the day he died. 

 

Lekesa has spent her life promoting true equality for all. She is running for Spartanburg County Council Chair because, as a lifelong resident of Spartanburg, she has seen economic development and experienced the big changes throughout the county and city, and she wants to make sure that the good things coming to Spartanburg benefit everyone, not just a few.

 

Lekesa currently works as a Director of Community Programs for the Northside Development Group, sits on the City of Spartanburg Planning Commission, and is an adjunct professor at Spartanburg Community College and The George Dean Johnson College of Business. In her career and as a volunteer, Lekesa helps families with financial literacy, homeownership skills, employment opportunities, and access to other resources in our community.

Lekesa hears the concerns of the people in District 1 every single day. Now she wants to use all that she has learned and be a sincere and strong voice for all families on the Spartanburg County Council. Everyone who knows Lekesa knows she is committed to creating a better Spartanburg County. 

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Lekesa states, “I want to serve on the Spartanburg County Council chair because Spartanburg is growing and changing fast. This is a time when all voices must be heard. If we want everyone in our community to prosper, we need a Councilperson who will embrace the changes while looking through the lens of equity. I believe that our leaders must be accountable to all citizens and that no one should be left behind. I would be honored to serve and represent the people of Spartanburg County.