The Rev. Charles A. Lett, who has been one of Selma’s leading Baptist clergymen for 49 years, was named Rotary’s Citizen of the Year on Monday.

During the ceremony, Lett was acknowledged as a man of faith who carries out his good works quietly, even behind the scenes.

He helped integrate one organization after another in the 1970s and 1980s, serving as the first black officer of the Dallas County Christian Ministers’ Union and the first black chairman of the Selma City School Board.

He also served on the board of Selma University and as president of the Southwest Baptist Association.

Lett served on the Selma City School Board for 14 years and as a pastor at both Green Street Baptist and Calvary Baptist.

Lett represents the Rotary Club motto of “Service Above Self.” We congratulate the Rev. Lett on the award.