The Toccoa Improvement Association is getting set to host its annual event celebrating the Emancipation Proclamation. The 2024 program is scheduled for noon on Monday, January 1, at Trinity CME Church, located at 241 W Franklin Street in Toccoa.
Program chair Program Chair Yvette Green told WNEG News, “The Emancipation Proclamation is an annual event, sponsored by the Toccoa Improvement Association. It’s been conducted by the Toccoa Improvement Association for many, many years. It’s in commemoration of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation which took place on January 1, 1863, by Abraham Lincoln and it was a proclamation that freed all the enslaved people in the southern states of the United States.”
This year’s theme is “Civil Rights: Where are we Headed,” and this year’s keynote speaker, Sheerica Ware Wilkins, is a Toccoa native who now lives in Washington D.C.
Ware has worked for the CEO of news organization POLITICO and was an intern at CNN, the New York Times, and the Cartoon Network. She has worked as a special assistant to Senator Jon Ossoff in the United States Senate, an experience that “provided her with firsthand knowledge of legislative processes and a unique perspective on the intersection of media and politics.”
Ware, a graduate of Stephens County High School and Georgia State University, is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Foreign Service at Georgetown University in D.C.
Ware’s complete bio, as provided by TIA, is available below. For those unable to attend the event in person, it will be livestreamed on the Toccoa Improvement Association’s Facebook Page.
Sheerica Ware Wilkins is a dynamic professional with a passion for political communication
and international affairs. Born in the charming town of Toccoa, Georgia, Sheerica’s journey has taken her from the heart of the South to the bustling corridors of power
in Washington, D.C.
Sheerica’s career has been marked by a series of notable achievements, showcasing her dedication to the field of political journalism and public service. She currently calls Washington, D.C. home, where she has immersed herself in the political landscape and made significant contributions to the media and political spheres.
Sheerica’s professional journey includes a pivotal role working for the CEO of
POLITICO, a renowned news organization at the forefront of political reporting. During
her tenure, she honed her skills in navigating the fast-paced world of political journalism,
gaining insights into the inner workings of media and its crucial role in shaping public
discourse.
In pursuit of a deeper understanding of policymaking and governance, Sheerica
dedicated her talents to public service by working for Senator Jon Ossoff in the United
States Senate. This experience provided her with firsthand knowledge of legislative
processes and a unique perspective on the intersection of media and politics.
Prior to her work on Capitol Hill, Sheerica embarked on a diverse range of internships
that enriched her skill set and broadened her professional horizons. Notable among
these were internships at CNN, where she gained experience in broadcast journalism,
the New York Times, a bastion of print journalism excellence, and Cartoon Network,
demonstrating her adaptability across different media platforms.
Driven by a passion for global affairs, Sheerica is currently pursuing a Master of
Science in Foreign Service at Georgetown University. This academic endeavor reflects
her commitment to understanding the complexities of international relations and
diplomacy, as well as her ambition to contribute meaningfully to the global discourse on
political and social issues.
Sheerica Ware Wilkins stands as a testament to the power of ambition, dedication, and
a commitment to excellence. Her journey from the small town of Toccoa to the corridors
of power in D.C. showcases not only her individual achievements but also her
determination to make a positive impact on the world stage. As she continues to shape
her career and expand her horizons, Sheerica remains a promising figure in the realms
of political communication and international affairs.
The Toccoa Improvement Association is getting set to host its annual event celebrating the Emancipation Proclamation. The 2024 program is scheduled for noon on Monday, January 1, at Trinity CME Church, located at 241 W Franklin Street in Toccoa.