The state president of the NAACP is in Natchez tonight to talk, and to listen.

The Rev. James Stokes, president of the Natchez chapter of the NAACP, said state president Eugene Bryant will do two things at the 7 p.m. meeting: Hear residents’ concerns and urge people to get involved in community issues.

&uot;There seems to be a lack of interest in what’s going on in our community,&uot; Stokes said, citing issues that range from creating jobs to fighting drug use and abuse by youths.

&uot;(Mr. Bryant) said he wanted to speak to the ministers, because the ministers play an important part in our community,&uot; Stokes said. &uot;We felt like it would be a great benefit to everybody.&uot;

The meeting will take place at Beulah Baptist Church on B Street in downtown Natchez and it is open to the public, Stokes said. He encourages the public to attend.

&uot;Our folks will sit at home and grumble after things happen,&uot; Stokes said. &uot;We’re trying to get them involved now so they can do something about (the issues).&uot;