[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 52 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING RIPLEY BLACKWELL HEAD START CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2012

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Ripley Blackwell Head Start Center, Inc. The center was named in honor 
of two civil rights pioneers, Mrs. Minnie Ripley, and Mrs. Unita 
Blackwell, the first African-American elected as the Mayor of 
Mayersville, Mississippi, in 1976. The center was originally known as 
the Friends of Children of Mississippi, until 1980 when they adopted 
the name of Ripley Blackwell Head Start Center. The center serves both 
Sharkey and Issaquena counties in the Mississippi Delta. The center's 
mission is to educate the children of Sharkey & Issaquena counties as 
well as serving their families.
  The Ripley Blackwell Head Start became a valuable part of the 
community by addressing the barriers that hindered growth and 
development, and the nurturing of a community bond. The area director, 
Mr. Roger Robinson, was instrumental in convincing the school board to 
purchase an old high school for the growth and expansion and all the 
amenities needed to accommodate the center.
  In the beginning the center served 180 children and their families 
with nine units. Currently, Ripley Blackwell Head Start serves 111 
children and their families with six units. They have successfully 
transitioned over 5,558 children into the public schools of Sharkey and 
Issaquena counties.
  For over 30 years the Ripley Blackwell Head Start Center has prepared 
children to enter kindergarten confidently with the social, physical, 
emotional, and cognitive skills and competencies necessary for 
continued school success. Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join in 
recognizing the Ripley Blackwell Head Start Center, Inc. for their 
commitment to educating the community.

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