A rose to the Columbus Heritage Foundation for again honoring a part of Columbus’ history through food, fun and music via its “Catfish in the Alley” festival. The three-day event concluded Saturday in a big way: with four musical acts along with food and craft vendors. The event honors the memory of the section of 4th Street South between College and Main streets that served as an epicenter of Black-owned businesses going back to the late 1800s. The success of the businesses there became a melting pot of sorts, patronized not by both Black and white residents. The quality of the musical performances through the three-day event were a fine tribute to the area’s musical history as well. As it did in its heyday, Catfish Alley proved to be a lively, fun place where Black and white residents came together in a spirit of harmony and fun. Well-done!
A rose to Edward Kemp, who will take over as general manager for the Starkville Utilities Department in April after the city’s Board of Aldermen approved his hiring during Tuesday’s board meeting. Kemp is a familiar name in the city, and in more ways than one. He takes over the position from his father, Terry Kemp, who served as the utility’s GM for 11 years before announcing his retirement. Apart from the family connection, the younger Kemp has been intimately involved in city operations for the past 14 years as city engineer, managing and planning more than $70 million in infrastructure-related improvement projects. Through his city engineer role, Edward Kemp worked with SUD on numerous construction, upgrade, maintenance and repair projects. His skillset and background should make for a smooth transition in leadership. We congratulate him in the new role.
A rose to John Almond and all those who have volunteered their time and money to support his nonprofit Dream Center Golden Triangle as it achieved a milestone this month. The Dream Center’s “Bedz 4 Kidz” program, which builds and distributes beds for children throughout the area, has now surpassed 500 beds since Almond began the project two years ago. Although Almond started The Dream Center by himself, he would be the first to admit that the phenomenal success of his work would not have been possible without the support of the community. Almond said his organization has logged more than 31,000 volunteer hours from individuals, churches, civic groups and businesses. Businesses, churches and civic groups have also paid for bed-build events. In fact, Dream Center now has 35 sponsoring organizations, enabling the Dream Center to expand beyond the still-growing beds program to include residential recovery for men as well as developing plans for a program to provide safe residential facilities for women and girls who are trafficking victims. Almond’s gift of leadership and organization, combined with a community of caring people have made Dream Center Golden Triangle a beacon of hope in our community. To learn more, visit dreamcenterms.org.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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