For years now the Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration has been a highlight of an otherwise dreary February.

The work of organizers and Copiah-Lincoln Community College has brought many a famous face to our small corner of the world.

The NLCC serves to expose us all to the literary works of which our country should be so proud. It offers a chance for Natchez to refocus on the arts that have heavily influenced our area over the years. And it even offers continuing education credits for local teachers, right in their backyard.

But this year is better.

The organizers of the celebration have tied America’s great literary history right into the very history of Natchez. The theme of this year’s NLCC isn’t just about an American or Southern author, it’s about our very own native son — Richard Wright.

Wright, who spent parts of his childhood in Natchez, will be honored for his 100th birthday.

The celebration starts today and continues through Sunday.

Nearly all of the events — at the Natchez Convention Center — are free to the public.

This is your chance for an educational, enlightening and fun weekend. Don’t miss it.