I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how lucky the State of Mississippi community is, I know that's a tricky thing to say after the devastating year we've had, and given the enormous challenges still ahead. But as 2020 drew to a close, I kept coming back to how fortunate we are to be in a profession filled organization with such resilient, thoughtful, dedicated, talented, and intelligent people.
For instance, I'm continually awed by the brilliance of people like our Imperial, State, Temple and Court leaders, who illuminated the intersection of the desire to serve and the restrictions of the pandemic in mind-blowing ways. I'm encouraged by the care so many have taken to make sure this organization survives, whether that means reimagining institutional systems to make our community more. inclusive or building creative alternatives when mainstays—like the traditional Imperial Session, Gala Day or, annual Potentate and Commandress Balls—proved impossible.
As we strive to achieve some degree of normalcy, The Rising Sun will serve as a source of light that will highlight the role that the Desert of Mississippi AEAONMS will play in giving ourselves back to our community.
As we ring in the new year, I think it's worth taking a moment to remember the Nobles, Daughters, and loved one's that we lost during the year 2020, we will forever cherish their memories. Together we will get through to the other end of this crisis—and build back stronger than ever.
Thank you,
Noble Shadon Rollins
(Chief Editing Director)