Like any year, Selma had some incredible moments in 2014. We had a major motion picture filmed right in our backyards and many other events to be proud of, but all of that is in the past now.

The year 2015 is officially underway, and it should be really special.

Beyond all else, the year 2015 brings hope to our city, which will be the destination of many tourists. The movie, “Selma”, is out now and will stay in the theaters for the next several months, which will make Selma known to thousands of people that aren’t already familiar with the city.

The 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery Marches in March will bring in visitors from all over the world. They’ll march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, which will be 75 years old in 2015, and hopefully stick around for the 150th Battle of Selma Re-enactment in April.

As much as Selma’s history defines what the city is to the rest of the world, it feels like 2015 is a chance to step out of the shadows and show the world what else Selma is all about. Selma’s civil rights history will always make our city special, which is why it should always be embraced.

But that’s all most of the world knows about Selma. Many people come to town to remember the history made on the historic bridge and the marches that endured so much to have their voices heard.

Yes, history was made here in the past, but we believe there’s a bright future in front of Selma too. When visitors flock to town this spring, our New Year’s resolution is that the rest of the world will get to see that too.

Selma as a whole has so much potential, but frankly were tired of using that word. It’s time for potential to become a reality, but that’s not just a burden for the city officials — it’s a toll we should all take on.

Visitors will be in our city in just a few short weeks. Before then, we encourage everyone to do their part by cleaning up their own yard first and then lending a helping hand wherever else they can.

We hope restaurants and local businesses in town have already started making plans for some of the busier weekends, but if not, we encourage them to do so.

An opportunity so be on the big stage like Selma has in 2015 will likely not come along again. How many cities have a major movie and three anniversaries collide into the same year?

The eyes of the world will be on Selma in 2015, but will it like what it sees? As a city, our resolution should be making sure it does. The year 2015 is the Queen City’s time to shine, and there’s no reason why it shouldn’t.