It’s no secret that violence has been one of the most pressing issues in Selma. So when we learned the city’s 2013 murder rate of 12 decreased to seven in 2014, we were generally pleased.

After countless nonviolence campaigns, included the citywide No More Campaign, we’re glad to see Selma headed in the right direction. It’s given us hope that Selma can continue to improve.

This drastic change should motivate the community to do even more to decrease the violence in Selma. One murder is always one too many, because every life is precious.

No one deserves to face the pain of losing a loved one to a senseless act of violence, so we shouldn’t stop making an effort to elminate violence in the area.

The beginning of the year often calls for people to reflect on the previous year and seek any changes that should be made for the next to be even better.

With that in mind, let’s look back on how what we did in 2014 that may have contributed to the decreased murder rate and consider what should be done in 2015 and beyond to further reduce the amount of murders. If we continue to work together to solve this issue, it increases our chances of conquering ongoing violence.

Whether it’s deciding to reporting incidents to the Selma Police Department, bringing awareness, educating the youth, learning how to solve problems without violence or more, every one needs to consider ways they can contribute to this effort. No one person can carry the weight alone.

Some of us have lost family members to this violent act and others have lost friends. In the end, when someone’s life is taken in Selma, all residents lose a piece of this community.

The Dallas County’s murder rate increasing from the one it had in 2013 to three in 2014 shows there;s still work to do.

We have faith that Selma can continue to improve, and it’s vital that everyone also believe in our potential.

It’s Selma’s combination of determination and faith hat’s going to drive us to become a even safer Selma in 2015 and every year after that.