The unique spirit of the South1 exists not only in its houses of worship and natural beauty, but in what we call an economy of care—the everyday ways neighbors show up in solidarity and support one another.
We understand this deeply since we both identify as Southern Black women. Keecha, who lives in Birmingham, Alabama, includes “rural” in her intersectional identity while Monica is a daughter of the Mississippi Delta. We know firsthand how this region’s resilience, creativity, and joy have eclipsed oppression and neglect in ways that are unparalleled elsewhere in the United States.
The South is a treasure trove of ideas that amplify community wisdom to advance health equity. Today, in the midst of attacks on democracy and on diversity, equity, and inclusion, our region offers lessons for the entire country about drawing on local leadership and talent to fight systemic inequities that undermine health.
Supporting communities in collecting data that paints an accurate picture of local conditions is an essential first step. The South has created models to do this which the entire nation should embrace. Continuing this work will require philanthropy to step forward with targeted resources.
Why the South Matters
Historically, people in power have intentionally used the South as a testing ground for oppressive policies and practices based on race and class. This continues today, with much of the South failing to expand Medicaid and millions of Southerners without access to reproductive health care and bodily autonomy, both of which deepen disparities in access to care. Literacy tests, poll taxes, and other legacies of Jim Crow continue making it difficult for voters of color here to cast their ballots freely, with disabled populations facing particular obstacles. In overcoming these challenges, our communities have grown stronger, more strategic and resilient.
Many Black families have longstanding ties to the South, reflecting the legacy of slavery. And reverse migration has increased our presence in recent years. Black officials dominate municipal leadership. Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have educated generations of youth. Through our collective power we are rewriting harmful narratives, testing new models, and telling empowering stories that are necessary to meet this moment.