the south's soft underbelly (open slideshow and presentation continues automatically)

The South's soft underbellyThe South's soft underbelly

(Open slideshow and presentation continues automatically)(Open slideshow and presentation continues automatically)

In the next few moments, you're going to see several maps.

See if you can spot a trend.

Then we'll tell you about something you may find surprising.

Did you see a crescent?Did you see a crescent?

Did you see a crescent?Did you see a crescent?

This “Southern Crescent” can be seen on county-level maps across various statistical indicators, as the titles of these maps indicate.

Election,Election, 20122012

Population, % white, Population, % white, 20102010

Population, % black, Population, % black, 20102010

Single parent householdSingle parent household, , 20102010

Unemployment,Unemployment, May 2012May 2012

Income % <$10,000, Income % <$10,000, 2006-20102006-2010

Median household income,Median household income, 20102010

Poverty,Poverty, 20082008

Less than high school education,Less than high school education, 20102010

Chlamydia, Chlamydia, 20102010

Heart diseaseHeart disease, , 1999-20031999-2003

ObesityObesity, , 20082008

DiabetesDiabetes, , 20082008

SlaverySlavery, , 18601860

150 years is long enough150 years is long enough

It's time to try something new.

Southern Crescent projectSouthern Crescent project

Coordinate attention on this Crescent of Shame.(www.SouthernCrescent.org is now online.)

Work with nonprofits, foundations to fund research, studies on how to coordinate delivery of services to infuse dynamism in the region.

Work with White House to get special study commission appointed to recommend federal-state policies to raise standards of living in Crescent region.

Why you should careWhy you should care

A challenge: Most Southerners don't take the easy way out.

Economic justice: 150 years is long enough for people in the Crescent to be treated better.

Moral imperative: America is such a wealthy country that it is morally wrong to let conditions continue in the Crescent.

Our image. Dealing with this problem will bolster the South's reputation, leading to more business.

How you can help todayHow you can help today

Individuals: $1,000 to $5,000 donation to Center for a Better South, a 501c3 nonprofit.

Businesses and groups: $5,000 to $10,000 donation each of three years to Center to develop project among nonprofit, foundation and government stakeholders.

www.BetterSouth.org/donate

Help us todayHelp us today

Center for a Better South: A pragmatic, nonpartisan think tank dedicated to developing progressive ideas, policies and information for thinking leaders who want to make a difference in the American South.

Rational debate and discussion vs. bumper sticker philosophy.

Contact usContact us

Center for a Better South

P.O. Box 22261Charleston, S.C. 29413

Andy Brack843.670.3996

info@bettersouth.org

www.bettersouth.org