A rose to all those who contributed to yet another inspiring Eighth of May celebration. Saturday marked the 15th year of the event that celebrates the day on which the black citizens of Columbus were emancipated upon the arrival of federal troops on May 8, 1865. This year’s event at Sandfield Cemetery included not only students from Chuck Yarborough’s MSMS African American history class, but the Columbus High School Choir and Mississippi State’s Jembe Den drum ensemble, which added another element to the event. The Eighth of May has been essential in keeping the story of emancipation in Columbus alive, but it serves perhaps even a greater purpose — unifying our community through the human stories portrayed by the students. Indeed, Saturday’s audience was almost equally divided among Black and white visitors. There are few events in our city that serve a more noble and inspiring purpose.

A thorn to the Columbus Public Works Department for troubling incidents of violence among its employees. On Wednesday, for the second time in less than a month, a fight between two public works employees broke out during the work shift. One of the workers, Lamarcus Juvunte Davis, was charged with aggravated assault after the incident which sent the other employee to the hospital for treatment. In April, two other workers were fired after they got into a fight during a work shift. Obviously, the workers bear responsibility for conduct that cannot be tolerated in any workplace. But we also question the working environment that exists within the department and challenge the city to investigate what is going on within its public works department. Where is the leadership? What is its role in this? Those are questions that cannot be ignored.

A rose to another long-standing Columbus tradition which also returned on Saturday. The Hitching Lot Farmers Market held its grand opening, again treating visitors to the produce and crafts of our local growers, craftsmen and artists. The Farmers Market has been a welcomed part of spring and summer in Columbus, drawing attention to the importance of patronizing our local businesses and emphasizing the important health benefits of fresh, locally-produced foods. So bring on all those wonderful fruits, vegetables, sauces, confections, baked delicacies and all of the wonderful crafts that have long been associated with the farmers market.

A rose to Starkville Ward 4 alderman candidate Austin Check for the grace he exhibited in accepting by the rule from the Republican Municipal Election Committee that his opponent had won the April 6 primary by two votes. That two voters were found to live outside the ward could have led Check to pursue his challenge to the election through the courts. But after acknowledging the voters were listed in the Ward 4 poll books, were informed that they were Ward 4 voters and did not knowingly cast improper ballots, Check conceded the election. We commend Check for his handling of what must be a disappointing loss, but we have a feeling that voters may remember it, too, should he decide to run for office in the future. At a time when elections are often contentious, even nasty, Austin’s conduct is refreshing.

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