[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 19 (Friday, February 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         BLACK HISTORY TRIBUTE TO MARY ELIZABETH PIPPINS GATES

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                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 17, 2005

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, throughout the month of 
February, I would like to recognize outstanding African Americans of 
the 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi, and their contribution 
to Black History. The 23 counties of the 2nd District are well 
represented from both a local and national perspective.
  Americans have recognized black history annually since 1926, first as 
``Negro History Week'' and later as ``Black History Month.'' In fact, 
black history had barely begun to be studied--or even documented--when 
the tradition originated. Although blacks have been in America as far 
back as colonial times, it was not until the 20th century that they 
gained a presence in our history books.
  Though scarcely documented in history books, if at all, the crucial 
role African Americans have played in the development of our nation 
must not be overlooked.
  I would like to recognize Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Pippins Gates, of Leake 
County, Mississippi. Mrs. Gates is a graduate of Baldwyn High School 
and received her high school diploma at the age of 15. Ms. Gates 
continued her education and entered Mississippi Industrial College in 
Holly Springs, MS where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 
Elementary Education. Mrs. Gates later received Master's degrees in 
Library Science from Delta State University, Cleveland, MS and in 
School Administration from Jackson State University, Jackson, MS. In 
addition, she has done additional study at Mississippi State University 
and at the University of Southern University.
  Mrs. Gates began her teaching career at Conway Attendance Center in 
Conway, Mississippi. She also served as an elementary teacher at South 
Leake Attendance Center in Walnut Grove, MS. Mrs. Gates served as 
President of the Bolivar County Teachers Association and the Leake 
County Association of Educators. She served as full-time state 
president of the Mississippi Association of Educators in 1982-1983. She 
was appointed by Governor William Winter to serve on the first 
Commission on Teacher and Administrator Education, Certification, and 
Development. She served as chairperson of the Board of Directors of the 
East Central Community Action Agency for eight years. Mrs. Gates 
retired from the Leake County School district after 40 years of 
dedicated service to education.
  Mrs. Gates served as First Vice-President of the Leake County Branch 
NAACP for twenty years and is presently serving her 4th year as 
President. She is a member of the Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church 
and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She is 
currently serving as a member of the Thomastown Attendance Center 
Improvement Committee.
  Mrs. Gates has received numerous awards for distinguished service to 
public education and civil rights which have included Outstanding 
Achievement in Education presented by the Leake County Branch NAACP, 
Outstanding Achievement in Human Relations from the Mississippi 
Association of Educators, Exemplary Service in the Promotion of 
Literacy from the International Reading Association and Distinguished 
and Dedicated Service as President of the Mississippi Association of 
Educators.
  I take great pride in recognizing and paying tribute to this 
outstanding African American of the 2nd Congressional District of 
Mississippi who deserves mention, not only in the month of February but 
year round.

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