[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 119 (Wednesday, July 12, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E661]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                   HONORING THE DIAMOND PROJECT, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 12, 2023

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
and commemorate the accomplishments and exceptional work of The Diamond 
Project, Inc. The Diamond Project is a remarkable youth mentoring 
organization that empowers and uplifts the youth in our community. 
Founded in June 2017 by Andrea S. Lee.
  The Diamond Project emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration for 
countless young people. Its mission to cultivate excellence, 
resilience, and compassion resonates deeply with the core values we 
hold dear. The Programmatic Points of The Diamond Project are Health 
and Wellness, Professional Development, Personal Development, Community 
Service, Empowerment, and Prevention. It focuses on working with pre-
teen and teen girls by introducing them to mentors who not only grew up 
in the same small towns but also graduated from the same schools. 
Through the organization, the participants are exposed to numerous 
networking and growth opportunities.
  In July 2022, The Diamond Project organized a visit to Washington, DC 
where they met with female staffers on Capitol Hill. During a private 
tour of the Chambers of Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, a truly remarkable 
experience unfolded as they ventured into the tunnel beneath the 
chambers. A site of historical importance and a major tour highlight as 
it was the exact location the British entered the Capitol during the 
War of 1812.
  In February 2023, members of The Diamond Project had the honor of 
traveling back to Washington to visit The White House, where they were 
invited to attend a private screening of the movie ``Till'' alongside 
the movie cast. Furthermore, they had the privilege of sitting in the 
front row during President Biden's inspiring speech. On February 25th 
2023, The Diamond Project's Mentee of the Year traveled to Los Angeles, 
CA, to attend the prestigious NAACP Image Awards. In May 2023, The 
Diamond Project awarded their first high school graduating seniors with 
$5,500 in college scholarship funds, helping to ensure these bright and 
deserving individuals have the means to pursue higher education and 
continue their journey towards success.
  The Diamond Project has organized numerous enlightening workshops 
that have included influential speakers who have made significant 
contributions in their respective fields. Notable workshop speakers 
include Jill Scott, Derrick Johnson--a leader in civil rights advocacy, 
and Angela Rye.
  The Diamond Project's dedication to education, empowerment, exposure, 
and civic engagement is commendable.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing The 
Diamond Project, Inc., for their passion and dedication to serving the 
Mississippi Delta and their admirable desire to positively impact the 
future of young girls.

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