BlackBelt Women Rising

06/01/2026

June is Pride Month, and we acknowledge, support, and stand with anyone who needs community, encouragement, or a safe space.

We also invite you to join the Rainbow Group, which meets every 4th Thursday at 6:00 PM at Trinity Episcopal Church in Demopolis, Alabama.

Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and kindness.

05/30/2026

Blackbelt Women Rising (BBWR) was proud to participate in the May Day/Recruitment Day event at Livingston Early Head Start! We connected with families, shared information about our programs and services, and engaged children in educational activities focused on wastewater awareness and personal safety.
Thank you to Livingston Early Head Start for the opportunity to support families, build community partnerships, and help strengthen communities across Alabama’s Black Belt region.

# blackbelt

05/28/2026

On yesterday, Blackbelt Women Rising had the privilege of attending the Lunch and Learn hosted by Selma AIR in Selma.

This educational event focused on increasing HIV awareness, providing prevention education, sharing community resources, and encouraging open conversations surrounding health and wellness.

The event also created an opportunity for organizations to collaborate, exchange information, and strengthen partnerships that support individuals and families throughout our communities. Education and awareness are essential in reducing stigma, promoting testing and prevention, and ensuring people have access to the care and resources they need.

Blackbelt Women Rising remains committed to community engagement, health education, and empowering individuals through information, advocacy, and support.

05/25/2026

Still focusing on environmental work—even over the weekend! 🌎💧

On Friday, Portia, along with Alabama cohort team members, met at the ADEM office with the SRF team to discuss how to better serve our communities and make sure everything stays on track to improve access and support for local needs.

Then on Saturday, Shari Jones, met with the Brown University Community Noise Lab team to continue monitoring air and noise in Epes, Alabama, helping gather important information that can support healthier communities and environmental awareness. This Memorial Day weekend, while honoring those who served and sacrificed, we also stayed committed to serving our communities through environmental work that helps protect the next generation.

05/21/2026

Blackbelt Women Rising was honored to participate in the inaugural Veteran Resource Day in Perry County, sponsored by Sowing Seeds of Hope in partnership with the Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center and coordinated by Ms. Lawanda Rossell. The event was held at Lincoln School in Marion.
This meaningful event was created to provide resources, support, and community engagement opportunities for veterans and their families throughout Perry County and the surrounding counties in Alabama’s Black Belt region. Blackbelt Women Rising is grateful for the opportunity to support, share resources and connect with those who have faithfully served our country.

05/15/2026

Blackbelt Women Rising Executive Director Portia Shepherd enjoyed presenting at about the work our team has been doing over the past 2 years and the important conversation about what happens next especially for the Blackbelt.

Portia was proud to join cohort teams from Louisiana, Tennessee, and Texas to discuss water issues facing communities across the South and beyond. The discussion highlighted the progress communities have made, the challenges that still exist, and why continued advocacy is needed to make sure resources reach the people who need them most. Blackbelt Women Rising also encourages supporters to contact federal representatives in support of the Water Access and Affordability Act, which would help fight for affordable water bills and stronger water assistance programs for families.

Click the link below to send a letter today:
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/supporting-the-water-access-affordability-act?source=direct_link&

The Alabama cohort team consist of , Capacity Collaborative and

05/13/2026

We are excited to be here!!

05/01/2026

Thanks for the coverage Black Belt News Network

Almost 100 people gathered in downtown Demopolis on April 30 to get more information about a proposed data center in Marengo County.

05/01/2026

Thank you to everyone who showed up and showed love from Hale, Marengo, Perry, Jefferson, Dallas, Clarke, and Sumter counties. Your presence meant everything.

This wasn’t just a gathering it was a chance for our communities to learn about data centers and their impacts and stay informed about what’s coming into our areas.

A very special thank you to the Ward family for letting us use the ballroom in Demopolis, Alabama Rivers Alliance and Southern Environmental Law Center for taking the time to come and break things down in a way people could truly understand. Organizations like Alabama Rivers Alliance work across the state to protect water resources and empower communities, while SELC uses the law to defend clean air, water, and communities across the South.

To all of you, We appreciate you for organizing petitions on your own, starting Facebook groups to keep people involved, and helping make sure people are informed, aware, and prepared. All done by YOU, the community!

Next meeting soon!

04/30/2026

data Center meeting