A rose to the thousands of Golden Triangle teens who have now graduated high school and began a new part of their life journeys. For some, it means making plans for college in the fall. Others may choose to pursue a different educational path through workforce training programs. Some may choose to serve their country by enlisting in the military while others may go directly into the workforce. Whatever their choices, we encourage these young people to apply the wisdom of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill shortly after the Allies’ first major victory in North Africa three-and-a-half years into World War II: “Now this is not the end,” Churchill told Parliament. “It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”
Although it is in a different context, Churchill’s observation equally applies to our young graduates. Graduation is a milestone to be celebrated, but that diploma is not a terminal point. Rather, it is an “end of the beginning,” a door that opens to all the possibilities of a lifetime. Congratulations, graduates. Now, keep moving forward!
Certainly, Vince Rapisarda and Scott Wagner, the two who purchased the historic First Baptist Church, should be commended for their willingness to take on the 81,000 square foot project. We wish them well. This rose, though, is for the leadership and congregation of First Baptist Church. The church — both the congregation and the building — is steeped in history not just locally but also in its historic influence within the Southern Baptist Convention. Additionally, the sprawling building, which takes up nearly one half of a city block, has been an anchoring presence for downtown Columbus. The decision to move the church to Bluecutt Road has been extremely stressful on the church’s congregation. We wish First Baptist the best in their new home and hope the building’s new owners develop the property with a sense of reverence for the history and the spiritual connection many have with the building.
A rose to U.S. Grant Presidential Library Executive Director Anne Marshall, who used Thursday’s appearance at the Columbus Exchange Club to remind us all of the treasure-trove of history we have at Mississippi State’s Mitchell Memorial Library. The Library is home to Grant’s presidential library as well as an extensive collection of privately-owned Abraham Lincoln memorabilia. It is fitting that these collections unite Grant and Lincoln in death as they were in life. Grant successfully executed the union’s war effort during the Civil War for Lincoln, who will be remembered as The Great Emancipator. If Lincoln freed millions of enslaved Black Americans, Grant’s efforts as President was America’s best attempt to execute those rights. During Grant’s two terms, Black Americans, particularly in the South, enjoyed unprecedented access to education, land ownership, voting rights and other opportunities under Reconstruction. Grant used federal troops against terrorist white groups determined to return Black citizens to a state of servitude. Sadly, Reconstruction ended after Grant’s second term and the dark decades of Jim Crow rule ensued. Lincoln has justly earned his title as a great American. Grant’s record proves he should be held in just as high esteem. We are fortunate to have that record right here in our own backyard.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
