A rose to college students at Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, Mississippi State University in Starkville at East Mississippi Community College in Mayhew who will begin on-campus classes Monday. For students, the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic are unprecedented. As thousands of students pursue their education, they are also being asked to exercise a level of discipline that requires sacrifice, especially when it comes to social gatherings that have long been a part of the student experience. Our schools have established rigorous protocols and guidelines designed to keep students safe, yet those plans are for naught if students don’t faithfully observe them. Their health, along with the health of all people they may come into contact with, is on the line. We salute those students who will rise to the occasion. They will lead by example.

 

A rose to a group of community leaders who came together Tuesday for a discussion on race relations at a time when it is important that these conversations continue. During the turmoil of June and July multiple instances of racial injustice both nationally and here in our community, lead way to real inter-racial discussions in our community. Tuesday’s “Let’s Talk Columbus” was an effort to sustain the dialogue. Among those who participated were Mayor Robert Smith, Police Chief Fred Shelton and District 4 Supervisor Jeff Smith. Other community leaders included Columbus Municipal School District Superintendent Cherie Labat, Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science Executive Director Germain McConnell, Columbus Air Force Base Commander Col. Seth Graham, Allegro Family Clinics President Amy Bogue, Bishop Scott Volland with The Bridge and Main Street Columbus Executive Board member C.J. Andrews. The wide-ranging discussions were posted on the Mayor’s Facebook page. We urge everyone to check it out and hope that it will serve to inspire us all to have our own conversations. Communication really is the way to understanding, healing and progress. It is something all of us can do to make our community better.

 

A rose to the Columbus Exchange Club for its effort to inform its members on candidates in the upcoming November election. Last week, Percy Lynchard of Hernando, who is running for a seat on the Mississippi Supreme Court, was the guest speaker at the club’s weekly luncheon. For many “down-ticket” yet important races, exposure to candidates is very limited. In past years, Columbus Exchange Club has regularly invited candidates from a broad range of races to speak to its members. We encourage all of our civic clubs and organizations to extend invitations to candidates to address their members as we approach the fall elections. It’s a great way to learn about these candidates, especially those who are running for low-profile yet important positions.

The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.