Remembering 9.11:

Reflecting back on September 11, 2001, I was pulling into the garage of my office in one of the tallest buildings in Atlanta to negotiate a deal as the first Tower was hit. Because we didn't fully understand what was happening, the message was to shelter in place. Before being released, in a conference room, we watched in shock and disbelief the continued attacks and aftermath.

It had not been long since I worked a deal with employees of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey which had offices in one of the Towers. This was a reminder of how things can change in a moment.

We remember the loss of our beloved and the bravery of our first responders.

We are a loving and empathetic country.

We continue to pray for the families that suffered the loss of a loved one or multiple loved ones and hope for peace among all of us - domestic and abroad.

Seletha Butler

The Lovett Scholarship Program