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Receiving the Spirit of Hope Award from the Dallas County chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. on Easter weekend remains my greatest individual moment since arriving in Selma nearly six years ago.

The surreal moment became an extension at the Dallas County Commission meeting on April 8. The County Commission placed me on the announcement portion of the meeting, recognizing the accomplishment. 

Nunn said I was a fair editor who always reported the news accurately. Commissioners Vivian Rogers, Curtis Williams and Connell Towns praised my outstanding storytelling in the community. Commissioner Jan Justice was not present at that time of the meeting, but she is always complimentary of my work. 

Not only was I touched by those wonderful compliments, but being on that part of the program was a big honor as Selma Times-Journal managing editor.

Especially when Selma was recently recognized as a Top 40 Micropolitan city under Team Selma, which consists of Selma-Dallas County Economic Development executive director Wayne Vardaman, Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr., Nunn, Craig Air Industry executive director Jim Corrigan, Aubrey Carter of Alabama Power and Wallace Community College-Selma President Dr. James Mitchell.

What Team Selma has accomplished is extraordinary. My achievement doesn’t compare with them bringing multi-million dollar industry businesses to the area.

I can’t compete with the Gamma Alpha Alpha Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta volunteering their time across the community. I am always honored and glad to see the Dallas County Zetas work their magic.

The people who also received the same award as me, Dr, Patricia Robinson, Colins Pettaway III, Cynthia Perkins, Hattie Shelton, Jo Celeste Pettway and Ruth Crenshaw, are exceptional in their unique ways.

For my accomplishment, OK, I’ll take it. Being honored in the community for my writing is something I will carry with me forever.