Erniko Brown
for McCormick County PRobate Judge
MEET Rev. Dr. Erniko BRown
A true trailblazer, visionary architect, community advocate, creative catalyst for change, Rev. Dr. ErNiko Brown was born and raised on rural family land in Willington that's been in her family for over 200 years. She was raised by her grandmother on family land, where she learned many life skills for survival, how to live off the land, support her community, and love others in the process.
With her strong commitment to community, ErNiko has emerged as an effective leader dedicated to changing the narrative of environmental justice for rural communities and is starting with her own. She recognizes that the holistic health and well-being of people in communities starts with their foundation, including access to healthy food systems, affordable housing, good-paying jobs in their community, affordable healthcare, & breathable clean air.
For the past 15 years, she has led political, community, & civic engagement efforts on behalf of local community advocacy, and state, national, and international movements. She uses her lived experience and leadership skills to craft a strategic vision for strengthening community capacity building & mobilization through an equity lens. She aims to ensure that diversity, equity, inclusion, and access are at the heart of environmental justice work. She is deeply committed to making the local-to-global connection that lifts the voices of impacted community members worldwide.
Rev. Dr. Erniko Brown is a former Conservation Commissioner and a dedicated community leader with a strong record of public service. Her background reflects a commitment to responsible leadership, ethical stewardship, and serving others with integrity.
With a deep understanding of community needs and a focus on fairness and accountability, Rev. Dr. Brown brings a people-centered approach to public service. She is committed to ensuring that individuals and families navigating the Probate Court system are met with professionalism, respect, and care.
Why I’m running…
Hey y’all! I’m running to be the people’s Probate Judge because this is personal. When I tried to purchase my paternal great-grandmother’s home in Willington, I saw firsthand how complicated and confusing Heirs’ Property can be. If it was that hard for me, I know others in our community are facing the same struggles.
When families come through Probate Court, they’re often dealing with loss. They deserve clarity, compassion, and closure—that’s justice for them. Through my studies in Human Services at Piedmont Technical College, my work as a Guardian ad Litem, and years of volunteering and private guardianship, I’ve stood beside families in difficult moments.
To me, being Probate Judge isn’t just about laws—it’s about service. It’s about treating every family with fairness, dignity, and compassion. I’m running to serve you, our community, as the people’s Probate Judge.
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A Legacy of Service and Trailblazing Leadership
For Dr. Brown, this candidacy is rooted in a lifelong commitment to service, advocacy, and transformational leadership. By her early 30s, she had already emerged as a trailblazer and fearless frontline activist, making history as the first Black female Commissioner in the 80+ year history of the McCormick County Conservation District through a successful grassroots write-in campaign. Her leadership reflects both courage and a deep commitment to uplifting rural communities.
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Rooted in Community
A true community beacon and resource powerhouse, Dr. Brown is widely recognized for her unwavering investment in people and place. Through scholarships, community-centered initiatives and philanthropic efforts, she has consistently poured resources back into underserved communities. Her work embodies a deep sense of responsibility to create opportunity, strengthen infrastructure and ensure families have access to the tools they need to thrive.
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Experience That Matters
Dr. Brown brings a diverse and impactful background to this role. She has served as a Volunteer Guardian ad Litem for nearly a decade, advocating for the best interests of children and families navigating the court system. As the founder and CEO of Organized Uplifting Resources and Strategies (OURS) and Global Greenway Solutions LLC, she has led initiatives that connect environmental sustainability, economic mobility and workforce development—particularly in historically marginalized rural communities. Her leadership spans nearly two decades of political, civic and community engagement at the local, state, national and international levels.
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A Vision for Fairness and Compassion
Through her work in ministry, advocacy, and public service, Dr. Brown has consistently supported individuals and families during some of life’s most critical moments. Her approach is grounded in equity, dignity, and respect—values she believes are essential to the role of Probate Judge. She is a proud graduate of Piedmont Technical College and holds both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Columbia College, along with a Doctorate in Ministry with an emphasis in Chaplaincy.
vote for Brown for Probate judge
McCormick County residents can vote in the Primary Election on June 9, 2026, and the General Election on November 5, 2026. To be eligible, voters must be registered by May 10, 2026. For voter registration information, visit scvotes.gov.