Share |

Reed named to governor's Black Belt commission

Dr. Cindy Reed, director of the College of Education's Truman Pierce Institute, has been named as one of the newest members of the Governor's Commission for Action in Alabama's Black Belt.

This commission is charged not only with identifying needs or solving problems for this part of Alabama, but to engage in the implementation of those solutions. The commission is divided into sub-committees targeted to key areas and headed by a chairperson. Reed will serve as a member of the Education Committee.

"It is my hope we can help create action plans to provide for a variety of above minimum wage jobs for the people of this region," said Kay Ivey, commission co-chair and Alabama state treasurer. "When people have worthy and realistic jobs in their sight, they will respond with purpose and preparation."

Ivey co-chairs the commission with State Senator Hank Sanders of Selma.

In addition to directing the Truman Pierce Institute, an outreach and research center within the College of Education, Reed serves as co-director of the West Alabama Learning Coalition, program coordinator for the Educational Leadership Program, and associate professor of Educational Leadership.

Reed called her chance to serve "a perfect fit" for the work already underway in the Truman Pierce Institute.

"Like TPI, the commission is seeking to develop ways to improve teaching and learning for all students in West Alabama," Reed said. "Our programs through the West Alabama Learning Coalition are focused on providing educational opportunities for students, improving training and continuing education for teachers, and forging collaborative partnerships between the business and education communities."

The Black Belt region of Alabama — often called the state's "Third World" — has always been a land of contrasts; a land of haves and have-nots. Prior to the Civil War, cotton ruled and made fortunes for some landowners, but 65 percent of the population was slaves. Today, poverty grinds away at many of its citizens. Unemployment is often double-digit in some counties, 45 percent of all births are to teenage mothers, and opportunity seems out of reach.

Last Updated: Apr 19, 2011