By Bennie Ruth Crenshaw

My last official City Council Meeting was Oct. 25, 2016. This day was most memorable for me because, although it appeared to be bringing closure to my life’s passion of servitude for my community, in actuality, it marked the day of something far more precious, change. For me, retirement does not symbolize closure; instead, it means the opportunity to embark upon new ways to continuously serve and make a tremendous difference in my community and city.

As the last council meeting transpired, it became far more obvious to me that stoic retirement would not be an option. The impact that I exemplified in my community as a councilwoman spoke in volumes. As I observed the council meeting with individuals displaying a sea of purple, (my spiritual color), the notion of me continuing to provide servitude became evident. I was truly astonished when the presentations of heartfelt thank you and appreciation came flowing in consecutively from diverse populations of organizations and individuals that I know and love. Those who know me, know that I believe firmly in Ephesians 6:7-8, “With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.” When you are doing God’s will, you do not work with an expectation of praise and acknowledgement from man.

However, I am truly thankful and humbled. I want to personally acknowledge and thank my Ward 7 constituents, friends, pastors, Ward 7 spiritual leaders, Selma High School choir, Alabama League of Municipalities, city council representatives from surrounding counties, former students, youth ambassadors and their parents, and my family for their acts of insurmountable love expressed during my tenure as councilwoman as well as during my last council meeting.

Essentially, my family insisted that their presence at the meeting was about me and to celebrate my 20 year journey. However, it was more about them than it was about me. To the new city officials, I share with you the importance of ensuring that your family is an integral part of service and your political career. My husband has been the catalyst in this equation. Much like Eve in the Garden of Eden, through matrimony, attorney Danny Crenshaw not only provided me his rib (flesh of my flesh bone of my bone), but he also provided me devotion and unyielding support. Always being my solid foundation, his high intellect and resilience were most resourceful while serving the people of Ward 7 and the community. My children have also been invaluable. Both God fearing and unique, my children expressed strong sentiment regarding my retirement from the city council. My family often revealed that it was time to sow my energy and time directly towards children, women, and families in dire need in Selma.

Furthermore, my children have urged me to take time to travel more, laugh longer and love harder. During the last council meeting, it was not ironic that my son posed so eloquently in his tribute to me in the words of Langston Hughes, “Life is Fine! Fine as Wine! Life is Fine!”

Indeed, I thank God, life is quite fine. Life, with its many transitions, is what we make it. Time waits upon no man.  Although I am no longer sitting on the city council, my stint there has always been to serve. I will continue to serve my city in a different capacity. I want to sincerely thank the organizations and individuals who have diligently worked with me, supported Ward 7 and the city, and prayed with and for me and my family. It is your continued prayers that will keep me on the battlefield. Again love ones, retirement for me, does not mean shut-in, no longer thriving and ceasing to serve. Symbolic of my new path of servitude is the old gospel song, “I have been running this race for a long time, but I am not tired yet.” To God be the glory. Til’ We Meet Again.