In 2017, when representatives from the United Nations toured the Black Belt of Alabama, one commented that the poverty there was unlike any he had seen in the First World. This area across the southern half of Alabama, once famous for its antebellum cotton production, is now well known for its difficult living conditions. These conditions disproportionately affect the African-American descendants of enslaved labor. Yet, many of these black residents also inherited an indomitable work ethic and have made incredible strides for themselves and their children.
At its fall meeting, the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board (PMAB) voted to recommend the 223rd General Assembly (2018) approve the Institutional Relationship Agreement between the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and its Historically Presbyterian Racial Ethnic Institutions.