Harold Charles retired to Port Gibson about seven years ago. But since he settled there, the former educator put himself to work.

His work now isn’t much different from his time in the classroom, where he spent 30 years.

&#8220When I came to Port Gibson in 1999, I was realizing the needs of the young people, so I came out of retirement,” he said.

Charles started Community Youth Achievers Inc., an organization committed to enhancing the education and culture of young people growing up in a rural society. The organization also focuses on the families of children, something Charles said is important to the organization’s holistic approach.

&#8220First, you have to have a village to sustain a child,” he said. &#8220It’s difficult for young children academically with the challenges of peer pressure.”

One step Community Youth Achievers has taken since becoming a not-for-profit, tax exempt organization in 2005 has been creating a family research center in downtown Port Gibson. The center, which will house educational programs, including computer classes, exercise and fitness workout programs, African dance and drum classes and genealogy research workshops, is named for Fannie Lou Hamer and Medgar Evers, both important leaders in Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement.

Volunteer staff, mostly college students from Hinds Community College and Jackson State University, have stepped up to aid with programs that will encourage younger students to stay out of trouble.

&#8220We want to change the behavioral patterns of young people and their families so they can excel,” Charles said.

A monthly movie program, called Evening School of Knowledge, has already begun at the center. A film on Emmett Till, the 15-year-old murdered in Money in the 1950s, and a film on Kwanzaa, the African-American celebration held every December, are planned for upcoming months. Charles said they will also have field trips.

&#8220What we’re trying to be is a catalyst for social change and we want to use the resources we have,” he said.

The organization has been funded through private sources, Charles said. Since becoming tax-exempt, he has applied for grants and looks for more private donations to keep the programs going.

IF YOU GO.

The Community Youth Achievers Inc. will dedicate the Fannie Lou Hamer-Medgar Evers Family Resource Center for Academic & Cultural Excellence at an Open House from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at 503 Farmer St. in Port Gibson. The event is free. For information, call 601-535-7551.

EVENING SCHOOL OF KNOWLEDGE.

&#8220The Untold Story of Emmett Till” will be shown at the Fannie Lou Hamer-Medgar Evers Family Resource Center for Academic & Cultural Excellence from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 13. For information, call Harold Charles at 601-535-7551.