We believe: The Anderson Black Expo is a time for fun and healing.

The Anderson Black Expo kicks off today, with many events through the weekend. We hope everyone can attend and enjoy some of the festivities at Jackson Park.

There will be amusement rides, talent show, fashion show, gospel fest and a parade — to name just a few of the attractions.

But it’s more than fun. As Tanya Bell, who spoke at the Black Expo kickoff breakfast Wednesday, said: “I think we’re focusing on bringing the community together. We are focusing on fellowshipping with everyone in the city and surrounding cities.”

That’s the key.

Black Expo is an event that fosters community unity. This is a fun event, but it’s also an opportunity to discuss important issues and set in motion actions to improve the community.

It is also a fundraising event for many organizations and charities. This crosses the color line, as Bell notes. Black Expo is not just for black folks. It’s for the entire community.

During the kickoff breakfast, one woman was overheard remarking that Anderson needs healing, and that must start with city leaders. It’s time to develop a comprehensive plan for the redevelopment of the west side, an area with a high percentage of black residents, and an area that is hurting because of lack of jobs and businesses.

Black leaders, such as pastors, NAACP representatives and those who serve in government and business, have a role in this. For the healing to occur, white and black leaders have to come together with a common vision for a better Anderson.

Sometimes in the past, the Anderson Black Expo dates have seen an uptick in crime, including shootings. Some believe that Black Expo is the cause of the violence, when really it’s just a few people who take advantage of the opportunity to behave badly. Most of the trouble hasn’t occurred during the Expo, but from rowdiness and partying afterwards.

Expo leaders must work closely with police, who have pledged a major presence during and after Black Expo events, to see not only that this perception is reversed but that the Expo itself is a fun time for all.

We hope many Andersonians can find their way to the Black Expo and join in the festivities. A schedule of activities is published in The Herald Bulletin today. It’s a time of coming together and looking ahead to begin the healing.