Born in Lula, Mississippi, Unita Blackwell rose from humble beginnings as the daughter of sharecroppers to become a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement. She played a significant role in voter registration drives and was a founding member of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. In 1976, Blackwell made history by being elected mayor of Mayersville, becoming the first African American woman to serve as a mayor in Mississippi. Her leadership brought essential infrastructure and services to the town, and she continued to advocate for civil rights and community development throughout her life. ?
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