Hi team,

I recently introduced a piece of legislation that I’m extremely proud of: The Black Belt National Heritage Area Act, which would designate regions of Alabama’s Black Belt as National Heritage Areas.

The Black Belt has a history as rich as the soil it’s named after. As a third-generation Selman, I grew up in the heart of the Black Belt. I’ve witnessed the beauty, hardships, and legacy of this region first hand.

Its history runs deep -- the Black Belt has been at the center of so many moments in Black History, including the Civil Rights Movement. There is also the history of the Native Americans who first resided on these lands that must be told and appreciated. From the Tuskegee National forests to the Choctaw wildlife refuges, the beauty of the Black Belt deserves to be celebrated for years to come.

Preserving these historic lands will honor our past and open the door to a bright future.

The Black Belt National Heritage Area Act not only conserves the beauty and culture of the Black Belt, it also creates a huge opportunity for economic growth across the region. By safeguarding these lands we will see a positive impact on tourism and increased opportunities for residents of the Black Belt.

This bill marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Black Belt -- and Alabama as a whole. I’m so grateful to be able to shed a light on our community’s history and allow future generations to discover and cherish our legacy.

Will you sign on as a citizen co-sponsor of the Black Belt National Heritage Area Act? Your support would mean a lot to me.

Yours in service,

Terri