Courage takes many forms. 

Some forms can be seen from those who put their safety on the line every day to protect the public as first responders and as military service men and women. Thank you to all who serve and have served in the armed forces and as peace officers.

Some forms come from those who speak out loudly against the injustices they see, putting their effort and God-given gifts towards righting the wrongs in the world.

And some forms are more subtle and often go unoticed. The single parent who's not sure how to make ends meet but gets up every morning for an honest day's work and raises their children to know right from wrong. The person who has lost a family member or loved one but still has a kind word for others despite their own pain. The student who refuses to head the wrong way along with the bullying crowd. The leader who puts the community's interests first.

In two weeks, we celebrate the quiet courage shown by many in the community in the 1960s as Rockdale's schools underwent integration. Many actions that were taken and decisions that were made we will never know about. But we as a community have a chance to recognize the trailblazers and pioneers, both white and black, who made Rockdale's integration a relatively smooth transition in that tumultuous time. On September 12, Rockdale County Public Schools and the Citizens Progressive Club will hold a Trailblazers Awards at Rockdale Career Academy, 6 p.m. You can find more information at rockdalenews.com or at 404-374-0585.