I think one of the biggest misconceptions about the Blackbelt, and rural areas in general, is it’s impossible to keep our young people here after they graduate from high school.

I’d be fooling myself to think that some students don’t go away to college and then pursue careers elsewhere, but there are those who do stay and pursue education close to home or even come back after their studies.

Innovation and business growth also brings fresh faces to the City of the People.

To that end, The Demopolis Times staff is beginning work on a special edition of the October/November edition of Demopolis The Magazine. The special publication will feature 20 community leaders under the age of 40.

These will be business and community leaders, “movers and shakers,” and people who have a positive influence on our city and county.

We are taking nominations now through Aug. 2. After then a committee of newspapers staff and active citizens will choose those to be profiled in our inaugural edition. We will also take portraits of those selected for this edition, which we hope to do annually.

Those nominated must be residents of Marengo or Sumter County.

A nominating form will be included in the paper starting Wednesday. It will also be on The Demopolis Times and Demopolis The Magazine Facebook page.

Nominations can also be emailed to justin.averette@demopolistimes.com. Include the nominee’s name, age, place of employment, position held, phone number, and a brief summary on why you’re nominating the person.