In a week filled with patriotic observances and remembrance ceremonies for the victims of 9/11, members of the community demonstrated — if for only one night — that unity in the community is possible.

With music, praise and worship, the congregations of First Baptist Church in Natchez and Zion Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Natchez came together Wednesday evening for a service devoted to faith, freedom and unity. The service offered hope for a future when such services are so common that they no longer make headlines in our community.

Other good news from last week includes:

• The Natchez Balloon Festival unveiled the artwork for this year’s annual balloon race. Painted by local artist Katelee Laird, the design for this year’s posters and T-shirts features balloons glowing on the Natchez bluffs with colorful fireworks bursting high above the Mississippi River Bridge. Congratulations to Laird for creating the bright, vivid artwork that represents the playful spirit of the festival. 
• Local Habitat for Humanity organizers handed over the keys to the 23rd house built by the group of volunteers. Latrice Carroll received the keys and a Bible from the Natchez-Adams County Habitat for Humanity in a ceremony last week. Carroll contributed 250 working hours in building the house. Thanks to many volunteers who braved the summer heat to finish the house.
• Cathedral graduate Jordan Murray doesn’t just know what good leadership looks like; she demonstrates it regularly on the University of Southern Mississippi campus. A 2019 graduate, Murray was selected to receive the USM Lucky Day Scholarship — a scholarship for students who possess the unique characteristics of leadership. By the time she graduated at Cathedral, Murray had accumulated more than 246 hours of community service. Congratulations to Murray for her accomplishment and for setting an example for all of us.

As we look forward to the fall, let us always be on the lookout for good news in our community.