Last week’s visit from U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell was a great chance to allow representation from Washington to take a first-hand look at what is happening, and not happening, in the Black Belt.

With Sewell being a Selma native, we are hoping the visit will mean even more when she returns to our nation’s capital.

Sewell summed up the employment picture of the Black Belt perfectly when she said, “The rest of the nation may have a cold, we’ve had the flu for a long time.”

Sewell stressed the importance of economic development in the 7th Congressional District and said bringing jobs to the area was especially important to her as a product of the area.

Hopefully, as Sewell gains the respect of her peers in Washington D.C., more ears will open to the plight of the Black Belt.

It is important to have the eye of our representation, but it is equally important to do things to catch the eye of industry.

In many cases, the work force of the Black Belt simply doesn’t have the skills needed to perform jobs that could be placed in the area. No amount of visits from Washington D.C. can change that.

It’s up to us to take the first step in bringing jobs to Selma by taking the necessary steps to qualify.

Wallace Community College and other educational institutions are doing their part to produce a more prepared workforce. Enrollment numbers in these classes are rising, which shows the area has initiative.

It’s up to job searchers to continue to take advantage of these programs to draw industry.

Though the Chamber and Industrial Development Board are crucial to getting industry in the door, it’s up the workers to persuade them to put down roots. Hopefully, Selma’s workforce will continue to answer the call.