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NATCHEZ – Organizers are seeking to tackle the “extreme blight” in the MLK Triangle area with a Community Clean Up effort on Saturday, and the public is invited to help.

Joe Smith, founder of BlackNatchez.org, is coordinating the cleanup event.

“As you know, the MLK Triangle area has historically been a vibrant, multicultural hub for entertainment and businesses here in Natchez,” he said. “Unfortunately, due to economic decline and disinvestment, this area has fallen victim to extreme blight … but we want to fix this.”

Volunteers will be working the area from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, followed by a community cookout.

“We are seeking community members, business owners and community organizations to help us,” Smith said.

Volunteers are being sought to assist with both the clean-up and with serving food on Saturday. “Students who volunteer will receive a letter documenting community service hours,” Smith said.

Volunteers can sign up at the organization’s website, blacknatchez.org, or by calling 601.493.0741.

“You can also donate to offset the cost of clean-up supplies and/or food,” Smith said. “All donations are tax deductible. You can visit our website or email us at blacknatchez@gmail.com to make payment arrangements.”

And, Smith said, volunteers can commit to cleaning a portion of the triangle area at another time as this will be an ongoing focus.

“To be sure, our work would not be possible without the generosity of local community partners who are committed to moving Natchez and Adams County forward,” he said.