LEKESA "KESHA" WHITNER
FOR SPARTANBURG COUNTY COUNCIL CHAIR
ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Lekesa "Kesha" Whitner
WHERE LEKESA COMES FROM
Lekesa Paulette Whitner, born Lekesa Paulette Miller, was raised in Little Africa, SC. Her family resided in Inman, SC, until she was 11, at which time Lekesa became a resident of the City of Spartanburg. At an early age, she was exposed to public service, and it became a critical part of Lekesa's life. This was the beginning of Lekesa’s life's work. Other civil servants spawn a desire in Lekesa. The neighborhood members came together to provide for Lekesa's family. Lekesa grew up with her 3 sisters and her parents, Johnny Lee Miller (deceased) and Pauline Jones, as a long-term resident of Spartanburg County and City. Mrs. Whitner has seen the changes and the economic development in the city. Lekesa has lived in both Spartanburg County and the city. She currently resides in Spartanburg County with her loving husband, Ray Whitner, and her beautiful daughter. Lekesa has been a member of Vision of Faith Christian Ministry for more than 10 years, where she serves as the pastor’s administrative assistant, 5-fold ministry leader, prophetess, and youth teacher.
LEKESA'S CONTRIBUTIONS
Lekesa continues to work tirelessly throughout the Spartanburg community to serve in any capacity that she can. She has spent the last few years of her life working throughout the community as a resource to many for upward mobility.
LEKESA'S EDUCATION AND VOLUNTEER SERVICE
LeKesa Whitner – Community Service & Leadership Highlights
• Appointed as City of Spartanburg Planning Commissioner (July 2020–March 2026), contributing to land use policy, zoning decisions, and long-range planning for sustainable growth
• Advisory Committee Member, Spartanburg Housing FSS Program (April 2020–2023), supporting pathways to economic mobility for residents
• Advisory Board Member, South Carolina Community Loan Fund (NMTC Program) (January 2021–present), advancing community investment strategies through New Market Tax Credits
• Advisory Board Member, YMCA of Greater Spartanburg (August 2020–2022), supporting youth development, health equity, and wellness initiatives
• Former President and Board Chair, Forrester Center for Behavioral Health (August 2015–October 2023), providing executive leadership and strategic direction for behavioral health and substance use services
• Advisory Board Member, OneSpartanburg Inc. (formerly Spartanburg Chamber) (November 2017–2022), contributing to regional economic development and strategic planning
• Contributor, OneSpartanburg Vision Plan Advisory (2026)
• Advisory Board Member, Upstate Fatherhood Coalition (2018–2020), supporting initiatives focused on father engagement and family stability
• Leadership roles with South Carolina Business and Professional Women (BPWSC):• President (2019–2020) • President-Elect (2018–2019)
• Member, Spartanburg County Foundation Women Giving Circle (2018–2019), supporting collective philanthropy and community investment
• Volunteer, Save the Children Action Network (2020 - 2024), advocating for policies that support children and families. • Advisory roles with University of South Carolina Upstate
• Dean Advisory Board (2017 - 2018)• College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences Community Advisory Board (2025–present)
• Founder of Children and Choices (est. 2012), a 501(c)(3) focused on youth empowerment, family support, and resource access
• Alumni Member, AmeriCorps (2011–2013), contributing to community-based service and capacity-building initiatives
• Graduate of Spartanburg County Citizen Academy (Class of 2012), with foundational training in public systems and civic leadership
• Graduate of Grassroots Leadership Development Institute (Class of 2012), focused on advocacy and leadership development
If you Build
the People,
you Grow
the Community®
Lekesa's Platform
WHY WE OPPOSE DATA CENTERS
1. They Use Too Much Water
Large data centers can require significant water to cool their equipment. In communities already concerned about growth, drought, and infrastructure capacity, water should be protected for families, farms, and local businesses.
2. They Demand Huge Amounts of Energy
Data centers can place major pressure on the power grid. Increased demand may lead to higher infrastructure costs and environmental concerns.
3. They Create Noise and Disrupt Neighborhoods
Cooling systems, backup generators, and constant operations can create noise and traffic concerns, especially near residential areas.
4. They Offer Limited Jobs
Many data centers do not create the number of long-term jobs that communities expect. Tax incentives should benefit projects that provide strong local employment and workforce opportunities.
5. They Can Change the Character of Our County
Large industrial-style facilities do not belong near homes, schools, churches, or farmland. Growth should be planned, responsible, and community-centered.
Call to Action
Say NO to harmful data centers in our neighborhoods.
Contact the Sartanburg County Council. Attend public meetings. Share your concerns. Protect our future.