Alabama’s U.S. Senators Richard Shelby (R-AL) and Jeff Sessions (R-AL) in December introduced the “Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area Act” to establish Alabama’s 19 Black Belt counties as a national heritage area.

Receiving the support of Alabama’s nine congressmen, the anticipated designation will allow for promotion of the favorable characteristics of the culturally-rich Black Belt by expanding its offerings to residents and tourists alike.

“It is our belief that designation will stimulate economic development and will encourage new investments in this too often neglected area,” said Rep. Artur Davis on behalf of Alabama’s congressional delegation.

“Alabama’s Black Belt region is full of rich history and culture,” said Shelby. “Characterized by its distinctive geography and fertile black soil, the Black Belt region is known for its many significant natural and cultural legacies.”

The counties of Bibb, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Washington and Wilcox comprise the initiative that holds as its mission empowering the people and communities of Alabama’s Black Belt region to build a positive future by collaborating to preserve, enhance, and promote what makes the area unique.

The Center for the Study of the Black Belt at the University of West Alabama serves as the management entity for the ABBHA.