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Black Belt Initiatives
The
Alabama Black Belt extends from Mississippi's border through the heart
of the state. The heart of the Black Belt is centered in western part
of the state between the Appalachian foothills and the coastal plain.
The list of counties comprising the Black Belt is often dependent on
the context but traditionally includes Barbour, Bullock, Choctaw, Crenshaw,
Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens,
Pike, Russell, Sumter, and Wilcox.
Sometimes the region is extended into the southern coastal plain to include Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Monroe, and Washington Counties. Though Montgomery County meets both the soil and demographic traits of the Black Belt is often excluded because of its significant urban development. Lamar does not meet the soil traits but is often included due to its lack of enterprise.
In recent electoral maps, the Black Belt has appeared as a "Blue Belt" because of its strong support for the Democratic Party. With the exception of parts of the city of Birmingham, the outline of Alabama's Seventh Congressional District roughly matches the Black Belt region. Artur Davis currently represents that district in the United States House of Representatives.
Major characteristics of Black Belt counties include:
- Rich, dark loamy soil underlain by red clay.
- Primary industry remains agriculture with little industrial or commercial development
- Proportionally large African American population
- High unemployment rate
- Low rates of educational attainment
- Isolated from major transportation infrastructure
- Limited access to health care
- Substandard housing stock
It is an area rich in cultural traditions and the strength of its people. Unfortunately, however, it is also an area in dire need, confronted with economic stagnation, declining population, and insufficient health care and schools. Working closely with governmental, corporate, educational, and community entities, The University of Alabama is actively involved in helping to improve the quality of life for residents in this region. Below is a partial listing of some of the UA efforts in the Alabama Black Belt.
Related Links:
- Map of Traditional Counties of the Alabama Black Belt at the University of Alabama Center for Business and Economic Research
- Birmingham News special report on Alabama's Black Belt
- Black Belt Fact Book from the Institute for Rural Health Research
- Congressional Home Page of Artur Davis (with District Map)
- Division of Community Affairs Center for Community-Based Partnerships
- The Center for Economic and Business Research’s Alabama Entrepreneurial Research Network
- Partners for Rural Health: Alabama Communities and The University of Alabama
- Governor's Commission for Action in Alabama's Black Belt
- Black Belt Community Foundation
- Alabama's Black Belt Faces Health Care and Education Challenges (Research Magazine)
- The Children of the Black Belt: UA Offers Help and Hope (Research Magazine)