This Monday, June 15, at 5:30 p.m., we will be celebrating something truly special – our Sixth Annual Natchez Day of Unity. Begun in 2020, this event has become one of my favorites of the year. And this year we are taking it to the next level – a free Ice Cream Social at the Natchez Civic Center featuring live music by the Big Muddy Inn’s Amy Allen and the sounds of artists ranging from Marvin Gaye to Jimmy Buffet orchestrated by WTYJ’s one and only DJ Buz! Hosted by our First Lady, Marla Gibson, this will truly be a great time – fun for our children and a time for friends and family to simply enjoy being together.
Since the beginning of our administration, the promotion of unity has been our top priority, and with it two other key words, community and opportunity. Being a city of love is more than a noble ideal – it is obedience to the great commandment “to love one another”. And one of the things I love most about Natchez is that we are a community that knows how to come together. Through good times and challenging times alike, our strength has always been found in our people. We may come from different backgrounds, neighborhoods, churches, and walks of life, but at the end of the day, we are all part of the same city: One Natchez.
Monday is going to be a special day, but truly, every day should be a day of unity. In today’s world, it can be easy to focus on the things that divide us. Social media, politics, and daily headlines often emphasize our differences. But events like this remind us that there is far more that unites us than separates us. And in Natchez we have the opportunity to be something truly special – a city that models love and the art of getting along.
As with every celebration of unity, there is no agenda for Monday’s event other than coming together. Sometimes the most important conversations don’t happen in meeting rooms or government buildings. They happen when neighbors gather, when families spend time together, and when children laugh and play. Friendships can be formed and strengthened over something as simple as a scoop of ice cream.
As your mayor, I believe our future depends not only on the things we build or the investments we attract, but also on the relationships we strengthen. A strong community is built when neighbors know one another, respect one another, and work together toward common goals.
Nothing is required for Monday but to show up and share in the spirit of love that makes Natchez special. And enjoying refreshments together, along with music and fun, is bound to create an opportunity for residents of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy an evening of fellowship.
I want to thank our First Lady and all those who have worked to organize this special event. I encourage every family in Natchez and Adams County to come out, enjoy the music, share some ice cream, and celebrate all that we, together, can accomplish as we move our city forward.
Because Natchez Deserves More.
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