Earlier this week a group of people hosted a reception for state Sen. Hank Sanders.

Most everybody knows Sanders. They know he represents Dallas County as part of his District 23, which also includes Autauga, Clarke, Conecuh, Lowndes, Marengo, Monroe, Perry and Wilcox.

What many people do not realize is what Sanders has accomplished for the Black Belt region in his seven terms in the Alabama Senate.

Certainly, the building projects out at Wallace Community College-Selma, especially the technology center that bears his name is an indication of the power Sanders wields for this area. But consider the Alabama State Trooper’s training facility near the campus — that, too, is evidence of Sanders’ hand.

When Bush Hog said it needed roads to its Selma campus closed to continue operating safely and the neighbors surrounding Bush Hog wanted a more direct route to them, Sanders used his influence to get state money to see the process through.

He is a supporter of education. He is a scholar and writer. He is an example of someone who had humble roots in Baldwin County, then moved up.

An attorney, he has fought for economic justice for the small black farmer in one of the largest legal battles fought against the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which netted $1.2 billion when Congress appropriates the money.

Sanders will serve another term in office because the voters placed in there in the June 1 primary. And it’s guaranteed he’ll bring home good things to the Black Belt.

Thank you, Sen. Sanders.