Shelia Atkins

Shelia Cassundra Hammond Atkins was born in Manatee County in 1952. Although she was born in Manatee Co., she grew up in Newtown, Sarasota, where she attended high school during integration. Shelia has been a member of the Sarasota community for over six decades. She and her husband, former Newtown mayor Fredd Atkins, remain in Newtown. She currently works as a paraprofessional aide at Alta Vista Elementary.

Student Interviewer: Kaylie Stokes

Kaylie Stokes is a fourth-year student studying social sciences at the New College of Florida. She believes in the importance of preserving individual and local histories, and was excited to participate in this project.

Interview Transcripts