When Ruth Shaw moved to Selma she fell in love with the small town and knew she had to get involved with the community. Even before Shaw was a volunteer for Blackbelt Benefit Group, and would help the group occasionally with their local initiatives. Now, after a year of membership, Shaw said she is excited to have joined the organization.

“It’s fun to be part of a group with so much life and vision for the community,” Shaw said.

The “Rockin’ Rib Off” is one of the Blackbelt Benefit Group’s biggest opportunities for the community. Shaw believes it’s event like the rib off and others hosted by other local non-profits are great ways to show community members what Selma has to offer.

“People don’t think there’s a lot to do here,” she said.

She said the organization is filled with a group of dedicated citizens that care about the advancement of the community and are willing to put the work in to make it better.

“This is a group of young and middle aged people that want to bring fun to Selma,” she said.

Shaw is inspired by the work of both ArtsRevive and Blackbelt Benefit Group. The  organizations provide a platform to local artists to display their talents, and expose the community to different forms of the arts.

“They’re so many talented people here, and we don’t want them to leave,” she said.

Paul Wilkerson, co-founder of Blackbelt Benefit Group, said he has been impressed with Shaw’s dedication to service since he has known her.

“She volunteers for everything,” Wilkerson said. “She’s always helping.”

Wilkerson said Shaw’s dedication to the community is unwavering and he is honored to work with her.

“She immerses herself in everything in Selma,” he said. “If it’s not good, she will try to make it good.”