Perhaps things aren’t as bleak as they seem in Selma. This weekend, a nationally known recording artist, Jason Isbell, will take over Selma’s Performing Arts Center during Art Jam.

The sold out event isn’t massive, but the impact it will have on local charities and the impact it could have on Selma’s downtown could be substantial.

We also shouldn’t forget about the camraderie and fellowship. Selmians often lament the lack of activities in the city, but events like Art Jam show that a little motivation is all it takes to put together something that people are interested in.

We also want to applaud the Blackbelt Benefit Group, which is putting on the event, for donating proceeds to charity. The purpose of Art Jam isn’t to make money, but rather to help out those that are less fortunate.

It’s nice to know the Blackbelt Benefit Group cares enough about the community to spend countless hours putting together an event to raise money for charities, when they could easily host the same event and make a profit.

In recent years, a number of groups — along with the Blackbelt Benefit Group — have come together to not only support those groups who help others, but create events that go to improve the quality of life in Selma.

Another such group, Leadership Class XVIII, is working on the next Alabama River Cookoff, scheduled for March 13 in downtown Selma. The proceeds from that community event this year go to support the Cahaba Center for Mental Health.

Another previous Leadership class worked to support Crimestoppers, and the list could continue.

We must remember that local non-profits cannot do it alone. It takes the help of groups, like Blackbelt Benefit Group, to help balance the books and help those in need.