By JERRIA MARTIN | Columnist

One of the greatest philosophers of all time was Barney the Purple Dinosaur. I remember growing up listening to the words of one his many altruistic songs, which explained, “The more we get together, the happier we’ll be, where my friends are your friends and your friends are my friends.”

This song perfectly captures the cohesiveness that is developed once a diverse group comes together, realizing the power of diversity.

What is diversity?

Diversity is explained best using the acrostic, D-i-v-e-r-s-i-t-y,

“Different. Individuals. Valuing. Each other. Regardless of. Skin. Intellect. Talents or. Years”

Just as God gave us the greatest commandment, to love our neighbors as ourselves and to love our Father in heaven, diversity works well when we are able to fully respect and value ourselves and all of our neighbors, understanding we are all united in God, as one body.

Most successful communities, businesses, and organizations have realized that their diversity is their greatest strength, not their weakness.

Josefa Iloilo, former President of Figi believed, “We need to reach that happy stage of our development when differences and diversity are not seen as sources of division and distrust, but of strength and inspiration.”

Imagine what would happen if everyone reached that “happy” stage in our city; from those who are a part of the problems in our city, to those who simply complain about them and do nothing, to those who are working to solve them.

We must come to the realization that we have no hope of solving our problems without harnessing the diversity, energy and creativity of all Selma’s people.

The goal is to usher in a point where every citizen, even our young people, realizes his or her full potential to bring about positive transformation in our communities.

Yet, we must remember that transformation happens slowly, one person at a time.

Thus, I challenge you to be a shooting star.

Rock band, Smash Mouth, made statement in their hit song, All Star, “Only shooting stars break the mold.”

Let’s break the mold in our city.

Look for ways to diversify the boards, committees, clubs or other groups that you’re a part of. Find a young person to mentor, encourage and inspire.

Be intentional about being inclusive in your thinking, speaking and doing on a daily basis.

Be a shooting star.

Because Selma’s redeeming, restorative, powerful and liberating hope is in our God and in her diverse people coming together to build happier communities.