Changing the world doesn’t take superstars. It takes ordinary people, just like you and me. You may not be able to make much of a difference on your own, and I may not be able to make a difference alone — but together we’re better.

Where opportunity is absent, we must create it. Where opportunity is limited, we must expand it. Where opportunity is unequal, we must make it open to everyone.

As we (the Miss-Lou) enthusiastically pursue the vision of “A reign of opportunity,” I ask and challenge all individuals to continue to seek your own opportunities and to get involved in the life of our region. We must seize the opportunity to improve our race relations, education, economic development and local government.

I urge all the leaders of our faith communities to expand your selfless work of helping the homeless, feeding the poor and comforting the broken-hearted. I urge the young people of Miss-Lou to use your talents and energy to fully engage in the future of this region. I urge business owners to look for opportunities to sponsor a Little League team, help a charity and promote corporate responsibility in the communities in which you live and work. I urge citizens who have relocated to this region, such as me, to contribute your culture, your history and your traditions to this region.

Come join others in the Miss-Lou to learn about regional efforts in our community and how you can participate.

The last of three public forums on Regionalism will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. today at the Natchez Community Center.

There is so much each one of us can do to make this region a better place. It is right to help one another. It is right to work together to get results and solve problems.

It is right to provide opportunities for all. Half a century ago, the late President John F. Kennedy challenged the American people to “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”

Let history record the citizens of Miss-Lou seized the opportunity as ordinary people to help this region to become second to none.

Rev. Simeon R. Green III is the pastor of Doty Road Church of God in Ferriday.