The Black Belt Series

Since 2020, the EPC has produced over 20 issue briefs examining the unique challenges
facing Alabama’s Black Belt region — from population decline and unemployment to
healthcare access, broadband, and educational opportunity. This ongoing series
partners with AL.com and UA’s Center for Business and Economic Research to compile,
publish, and publicize data that raises awareness for citizens and policymakers alike.

The Black Belt Series

Focus Areas

Rural Health & Access

Improving health outcomes and access to care.

Education Opportunity

Expanding learning and supporting student success.

Workforce & Mobility

Strengthening jobs, skills, and economic mobility.

Community Data & Demographics

Understanding our communities through reliable data.

Place-Based Policy

Advancing policies that reflect local needs and strengths.

About the Black Belt Series

The Black Belt series has been a project partnering the Education Policy Center at UA with AL.com, as well as the Center for Business and Economic Research at UA, aiding in gathering data.

More can and should be done to brighten futures in Alabama’s Black Belt. A long-term comprehensive approach that includes transportation, childcare, food security, and housing, as well as braiding the federal funding streams for workforce training, welfare-to-work, and adult literacy with secondary and higher education is needed.