News

  • Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and Rosenwald School in Macon County listed in the National Register

    The Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and Rosenwald School in Macon County were listed in the National Register of Historic Places on August 6, 2010. The Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and Rosenwald School are nationally important as physical reminders of the U.S. Public Health Service's Syphilis Study that took place in Macon County from 1932-1972. This controversial study involved over 400 victims many of whom were recruited and examined at the Shiloh Church and School. It had a major impact on the history of medicine and the future of medical ethics in the United States.

  • Alabama Black Belt Heritage Area hosts VISTA workshop

    March 18, 2010

    The University of West Alabama on March 9 hosted Black Belt service organizations for a Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) workshop sponsored by the Alabama Black Belt Heritage Area (ABBHA).

    The one-day forum brought together VISTA representatives working in the 19-county service area of the ABBHA. Participants gained insight on the history and economics of the Black Belt region and its existing economic development initiatives.

  • Black Belt Heritage Area seeks designation as National Heritage Area

    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.

  • Alabama’s Small Towns and Downtowns featured on 2010 calendar

    Twelve of Alabama’s most notable streetscapes are the subject of the Black Belt Heritage Area’s 2010 calendar. The scenes commemorate what the Alabama Tourism Department has dubbed “The Year of Small Towns and Downtowns.”

    Featuring photographs by Robin McDonald, the calendar offers a tour through the historic downtown regions of Alabama’s Black Belt. It also provides an extensive list of events and attractions held across the region during the year.

  • Alabama Black Belt Heritage Area Task Force receives $10,000 Tombigbee RC&D grant

    Oct. 22, 2009

    In a ceremony held Oct. 14 at the Selma Public Library, the Alabama Black Belt Heritage Area (ABBHA) received a check for a $10,000 grant from the Tombigbee Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D).

    The ABBHA is a 19-county initiative with five counties located in the Tombigbee RC&D area, including Pickens, Bibb, Greene, Hale and Sumter. The Center for the Study of the Black Belt at UWA serves as the management entity for the ABBHA.

    Rep. James L. Thomas addressed task force members at the ceremony, showing his support for the organization and its efforts.

  • Black Belt Nature and Heritage Trail receives $340,000 grant from Federal Highway Administration

    December 23, 2008

    The Black Belt Nature and Heritage Trail has received a $340,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration. The funds, which will be administered by the Alabama Department of Transportation, will be used to enhance visitors’ experiences on the 210-mile route along U.S. 80 that celebrates the historical, cultural, and natural qualities of the region.

    Various endeavors are planned, including a certified guide program, host training, interpretive panels, downtown walking tours, audio tours and video.