On March 5, 2021, the leadership of History of the Heartland met with the leadership of the Empowerment Opportunity Center (formerly DMCOC). The meeting was held to discuss the public concern that Anna Waters’ name was to be dropped from the title of the Head Start program.
Tara Murray, Executive Director of the Empowerment Opportunity Center and her staff said they plan to retain the name of the program as Anna Waters Head Start. She also stated the Empowerment Opportunity Center will continue to add other programing to benefit children in the community as they see the need arise.
The History of the Heartland organization published the story of Anna Waters on their social media page January 18, 2021. Former Head Start student (1967-68) Cassandra Brown read about the legacy of Anna and recalled her time at Head Start that formed the “foundation of my life.” “I attended Head Start and Decatur Public Schools, graduating from Stephen Decatur High School in 1982. I credit my early learning for making such a difference in my life.” Brown created an online petition in support of keeping Waters’ name associated with the Head Start program. It was signed by nearly 950 people. Brown participated in the meeting via phone and Murray said she appreciated hearing her success story and the acknowledgment of the importance of the Anna Waters Head Start program to her life.
History of the Heartland is a local not-for-profit formed to promote the preservation of our structures, homes, and the stories of our people. “Anna Waters is a very important legacy that needs to be shared with children, especially those benefiting from the Anna Waters Head Start program,” says History of the Heartland Chairman, Bret Robertson. “We appreciated the discussion with Tara and her staff. It was excellent to hear the program will retain Anna’s name,” Robertson continued. The organization offered to provide copies of the story of Anna Waters to the Empowerment Opportunity Center and future stories pertinent to the legacy of locals which contributed to the foundation of programs at the then DMCOC organization.
Photo Credit: History of the Heartland Facebook Page.
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