IJLMI: Into Politics with Adrian Conosery Jr.

In this episode of I’ll Just Let Myself In: Into Politics, host Lish Speaks brings the conversation close to home with a guest who is rewriting what it looks like to step into leadership at a young age. Sitting on the couch is Adrian “AJ” Consonery Jr., a 25-year-old candidate for Georgia Secretary of State, whose story combines faith, family, and fearless ambition.

A Childhood Shaped for Service

Adrian’s journey into politics didn’t start with campaigns or slogans—it started at home. Raised in a family deeply engaged in community life, he grew up in an environment that encouraged him to dream big and work hard. His parents instilled values of discipline and self-belief, requiring him to write down goals and follow through with persistence. That foundation gave him the confidence to become a two-time published author and a leader in multiple spaces before even stepping into the political arena.

It wasn’t just his family that shaped him. Encounters with leaders like Representative Justin Jones inspired him to stop waiting for permission to act and to live boldly in his purpose. For Adrian, problems aren’t roadblocks—they are opportunities to create solutions. That mindset now fuels his run for office.

Understanding the Secretary of State’s Role

Many people only think of the Secretary of State during election season, but Adrian explains the role’s broader impact. The Georgia Secretary of State oversees elections, yes, but also commerce, securities, and professional licensing. From businesses in local strip malls to professional certifications, the office touches everyday life in countless ways. As Adrian points out, it’s a position that can either amplify citizens’ voices or silence them. His campaign is driven by the conviction that every vote and every voice should be heard.

Lifeline Initiative: A Legacy of Service

At just 20 years old, Adrian founded Lifeline Initiative Incorporated, a nonprofit focused on community development, vocational rehabilitation, and empowering underserved voices. The name “Lifeline” came from his fraternity brothers at Grambling State University, who recognized his willingness to support others even at personal cost.

During the turbulence of 2020, Lifeline Initiative became a beacon for struggling communities, providing resources to help them thrive without depending on government aid. Adrian emphasizes that the nonprofit was designed to “not be needed”—its mission is to empower communities until they can stand on their own. He draws a sharp line against what he calls “toxic charity,” where outsiders impose solutions without listening to local needs. Instead, his approach is to bring exactly what communities ask for and walk alongside them until they flourish.

Faith as Foundation

For Adrian, politics isn’t separate from faith. As the young adult ministry leader at Bridgepoint Church, he draws strength daily from his relationship with God. He describes his spiritual growth as a series of “software updates,” with God revealing new lessons and capabilities each day. Even if his campaign doesn’t end in victory, Adrian sees the effort as obedience to God’s calling and preparation for greater opportunities ahead.

Family as Blueprint

One of the most moving parts of the conversation is Adrian’s tribute to his father, a mechanic and church elder who taught him that true strength lies in vulnerability and service. From racing to open his mother’s car door to modeling integrity in business, his father showed Adrian what it means to lead with love. That legacy, combined with his mother’s support and his family’s strong faith, gives him a foundation that shines through in every word he speaks.

Looking Ahead

Though only 25, Adrian has already faced political challenges head-on. In 2020, his absentee ballot was twice challenged, forcing him to fight for his right to vote. With support from groups like Fair Fight and The People’s Agenda, he persevered—a defining moment that pushed him deeper into public service. Now, as he runs for Georgia Secretary of State, he carries not only his personal story but also the weight of generations who fought for voting rights.

When asked if he has presidential aspirations, Adrian admits the thought has crossed his mind—but only after decades of proven service. For now, his focus is clear: to build trust, uplift communities, and ensure that every Georgian has a voice.

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TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Introduction & welcome to Into Politics
1:00 – Meet Adrian Consonery Jr.: a 25-year-old running for Georgia Secretary of State
2:30 – Childhood influences, family values & early drive to lead
4:20 – Discovering purpose and refusing to wait for permission
5:30 – What does the Georgia Secretary of State actually do?
6:30 – Lifeline Initiative: serving communities and amplifying voices
9:20 – Toxic charity vs. true community service
11:00 – Why representation in politics matters
12:10 – Presidential aspirations & long-term vision
13:00 – Love for Georgia: Atlanta, rural towns, and beyond
14:30 – Grambling State University & lessons from HBCU life
18:00 – How Grambling shaped confidence and identity
20:00 – The value of HBCU education and leadership pipelines
22:00 – Faith as foundation: leading in church and in politics
25:00 – Trusting God through the campaign journey
26:00 – Tribute to his father: lessons on strength, service, and love
30:00 – Leadership, family, and the importance of structure
33:40 – Voting rights under attack: lessons from 1965 to 2020
35:00 – Fighting ballot challenges & the importance of Fair Fight
38:00 – Closing reflections: courage, faith, and the future

Related Radio Show: I’ll Just Let Myself In