Editor’s note: The following article is part of a series on prominent Warren citizens in honor of Black History Month.
Latanza Atkins became a Warren City Council alderwoman by winning an election in November 2022.
“I’ve always been concerned about my community. Mr. Zach (Burks) retiring gave me the opportunity to serve,” she said.
Born and raised in Warren, she graduated from the Warren High School Class of 1990. She previously attended schools at Eastside and Westside elementaries, the old Junior High and WHS.
She has two daughters, Lauren of Frisco, Texas, and Courtney of Little Rock, and one grandson, Treylon.
She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Monticello, with a bachelor of arts degree in English and a master of arts degree in teaching.
Atkins started teaching at Drew Central High School in Monticello, teaching ninth through 11th grade English Language Arts and journalism for five years. Since 2018, she has served as a literacy specialist at the Southeast Arkansas Educational Cooperative.
“To see the conditions of downtown, the lack of pride in properties, I believe we needed to revitalize the town,” Atkins said.
“I love Arkansas. I love Warren. It’s sad but if you’re going to complain about it, you need to do something about it. As an educator, it’s important to instill community service in our students,” she said.
She noted the city has regulations and ordinances in place to deal with unkempt property. The City Council is looking at forming a citizens committee to work with the city government, Keep Arkansas Beautiful, Beta Club and other organizations to clean up the town. In April or May, a full effort will be organized.
“There’s no place like home. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d still live in Warren. I believe if the citizens are given an opportunity, they will come together,” Atkins said.