Which counties are part of the Alabama Black Belt Heritage Area?
Culture of Renewal, Reconciliation, and Conservation
A New Era in Race Relations
"Let us march on ballot boxes until brotherhood becomes more than a meaninless work in an opening prayer, but the order of the day on every legislative agena. Let us march on ballot boxes until all over Alabama God's children will be able to walk the earth in decency and honor."
-From the speech by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., on March 25, 1965 at the Alabama State Capitol.
Restoration of the Cultural Landscape
Rich in soil, once-rich in cotton wealth, and rich in history, the Black Belt has many stories to tell, stories that are rooted in the fine weave of land, building, and traditions. The story of revitalization and renewal reflects the deep attachment Black Belt people hold for their home. Since the early decade of the twentieth century, Black Belt residents have worked to preserve their home and heritage-work that included antebellum homes, churches, and museums commemorating the regional and national heroes.
Conservation of the Natural Landscape
Alabama surpasses all eastern states in plant and animal diversity. It ranks first in the nation in freshwater species diversity, including more than 750 species of freshwater fishes, mussels, aquatic snails, and crayfishes. Unfortunately, no state east of Colorado has more wildlife species at risk than Alabama. Only Hawaii, California, and Nevada have more imperiled species, and only Hawaii has lost more species to extinction.
