Coach Howell’s Daughter Qualifies to Run for Ward 4 Seat

By Alyssa Schnugg
News Editor
alyssa.schnugg@hottytoddy.com

For 26 years, Kesha Howell-Atkinson watched her father, the late Ulysses “Coach” Howell help guide Oxford as the Ward 4 Alderman.

On Thursday, she took big steps to continue his legacy.

Kesha Atkinson, daughter of the late Ulysses “Coach” Howell, has qualified to run for the Ward 4 alderman seat in a special election on July 2. Photo by Alyssa Schnugg

Howell-Atkinson qualified Wednesday to run in the special election on July 2 for Ward 4 Aldermen. She was required to garner 50 or more signatures to qualify, which she did easily, she said.

“Everyone was excited,” she said. “People told me they prayed that I would step up and get on the ballot. People I grew up with and people who watched me grow up are excited to see me running. I’m super excited too, and shocked at the support I’ve had so far from everyone.”

Howell died May 11 after suffering from a massive stroke. He first took the Ward 4 Alderman seat in 1993 and remained in office until his death.

Howell-Atkinson is married to Brandon Atkinson and has a 6-year-old son in Bramlett Elementary. She said she and her father would sometimes chat about her running for Alderman one day — if Howell ever decided to retire.

“It was just us talking casually when cutting the grass or sitting around about me possibly running when he finally retired,” she said. “I didn’t think he’d ever retire. He loved doing it. He loved his ward. But after his passing, I knew I had to do it. I couldn’t let him down. I couldn’t let his ward down.”

Howell-Atkinson, 40, said she’s ready to hit the streets and start knocking on doors.

“I look forward to making new friends and visiting with old ones,” she said.

Those interested in running for the Ward 4 Alderman seat can qualify at the Oxford City Clerk’s Office in City Hall until June 12. If one candidate does not receive 51 percent of the votes, a run-off election will be held July 16.