Dr. Royrickers Cook outlined some of Auburn University's efforts to improving Alabama’s Black Belt, an impoverished area of our state consisting of 12 counties located in lower Alabama from Mississippi to the Georgia state line. The name, Black Belt, is not necessarily from the high number of
African Americans (78 percent of the population) living in the area, but from the color of the dark and fertile soil.

This poor area has 29.5 percent of families living below the poverty level (Alabama statewide has 13 percent). The
high school drop-out rate is 45 percent. Other challenges facing residents of the area include high unemployment, inadequate healthcare, racial divide and strong private
schools (mostly for white residents).

Auburn University, along with the state of Alabama, has initiated “Do Something” grants that fund innovative ideas such as leadership programs, initiating successful agriculture concepts and expanding entrepreneurial programs. AU is also assisting with innovative housing for the area.

Click here to learn more about Auburn University outreach efforts.