By Patrick Murphy

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ ― People of Natchez will be able to meet with Alcorn State head coach Fred McNair and Alcorn State Athletic Director Derek Horne at 8 a.m. today for the Friday Forum at the Natchez Coffee Company.

The forum is hosted by the Natchez-Adams Chamber of Commerce and held at 8 a.m. each Friday morning at the Natchez Coffee Company at and will last for one hour.

This forum has been going on for seven to eight years. The Friday Forum happens on the first Friday after Labor Day.

On each Friday, a different group comes and talks at the Coffee Company.

Debbie Hudson, who is president and CEO of the Adams County Chamber of Commerce, said having the Braves in Natchez is great for the community.

“We have the coach and Athletic Director,” Hudson said. “That’s kind of neat for us and since we have a lot of alums and a lot of people interested in Alcorn we’re excited to have them.”

The idea for this forum came from a collaboration between Ruth Nichols, Ph.D., of Alcorn and Hudson.

“We have a great relationship (with the Braves), and they do a lot for the community,” Hudson said. “We’re supportive of them.”

The Braves opened up their 99th season on Aug. 31 when they travelled to face in-state opponent Southern Miss.

In this game, the Braves were defeated by the Golden Eagles, 38-10.

On Saturday, the Braves will have their first home game of the season against Mississippi College. This is the 50th Anniversary Reunion of the 1969 Championship team.

The next forum is on Sept. 13. The topic is going to be about film.