In a bit of surprising bi-partisan goodwill, the Mississippi Senate adopted a resolution honoring former President Barack Obama.

The Republican-led Senate called Obama “one of the most consequential presidents in recent history.”

The first African-American U.S. president “led the country through a serious economic crisis,” ended the Iraq war and enacted health care reform, according to the resolution, sponsored by several Democrats who are members of the Legislative Black Caucus, The Associated Press reported. “Barack Obama did indeed change the country’s trajectory, by doing pretty much what he said he would,” it read.

Republicans hold a three-fifths supermajority in the Mississippi House and Senate and have fought much of Obama’s agenda. And that’s what makes the resolution all the more meaningful. You can disagree with his policies and still recognize his historic presidency.

There was no debate when the resolution was brought up for a vote. No senator opposed the resolution but Republican Michael Watson of Pascagoula voted “present,” which counted neither for nor against. That’s a cheap shot for sure.

Resolutions don’t have to be signed by the governor, so Bryant — who campaigned for Trump and attended the inauguration — can’t block the one commending Obama, according to AP.

There was no similar resolution in the House, where things can sometimes be more rough and tumble. It’s doubtful a similar resolution would have passed the House, unfortunately.

I’m no fan of Obama. I personally disagree with the majority of his policies, especially those concerning abortion. I don’t think he sought to purposefully harm America as many of his opponents suggest. I believe he did what he thought was best for this county. He simply operates from a set of values I don’t agree with or understand.

That said, I also realize what his presidency meant to so many Americans. A nation that once fought a civil war over slavery elected a black man as president. That speaks of how far this great nation has come.

No, it doesn’t mean we live in a post-race society. It doesn’t mean all our problems are solved.

But it does mean that when people vote, change happens. The same is true for Trump’s election as president. People voted and things will certainly change, hopefully for the better.

Publisher Luke Horton can be reached at luke.horton@dailyleader.com.