Marking significant milestones in our lives is commonplace.

Parents celebrate throughout their children’s lives — first steps, first words, first day at school, etc.

Couples may remember their first date, first kiss, proposal and wedding day.

Many of us have those moments.

Few among us, however, create community events that live on and touch hundreds of lives.

Natchez resident Carolyn Vance Smith is one of those rare people. She has been the driving force behind the Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration since its inception 25 years ago.

Through that time, Smith has worked tirelessly to bring world-class speakers to the event. But the event isn’t just about academics; the NLCC for years has featured special events for school children throughout the area.

The NLCC celebrated its silver anniversary last week with a special theme — 60 Years and Counting: Voices of the Civil Rights Movement. The theme was, indeed, a fitting one to reflect on six decades since the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education.

We applaud Smith and all of the many volunteers who help make the NLCC a success year after year. In particular, special thanks go to event co-sponsors Copiah-Lincoln Community College and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

Congratulations to all for 25 years of great work, and here’s wishing the group the best of luck for the next 25 years.