Visually Impaired People, Inc. (VIP) honored former Selma Mayor James Perkins at its Fall Low Vision Support Group meeting on Friday at the Golden Ranch.

VIP CEO and Founder William Bowman presented Perkins with a Good Samaritan certificate and credited him for the organization’s success. Perkins is Selma’s first African-American mayor, serving from 2000-2008.

“Perkins was the only mayor in Selma that helped me,” Bowman said. “He was always helpful with our organization. We did a lot of projects for the vision impaired. We became friends and that friendship is still active.”

Perkins, currently the Pastor at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, thanked the VIP for the invitation.

“It’s a significant honor to be here with you,” Perkins said. “I’m honored to be invited by your organization.”

Perkins told the crowd that he’s undecided on entering the mayoral race next year. Darrio Melton is the city’s current mayor.

“I’ve heard all the rumors and I haven’t decided to run for mayor,” Perkins said. “I recognize the city has challenges. I recognize the pain the people in Selma are experiencing. That’s why I am torn on running again. I’m having a conversation with God.”

Perkins said the Queen City will eventually rebound.

“Better days are ahead for Selma, I don’t know when that will be,” Perkins said. “God never left us, we left him. We have to find our way back to God.”