Twenty-Five Years in the Black Belt

"Twenty-Five Years in the Black Belt" by William James Edwards is a compelling narrative that highlights the author's journey to establish the Snow Hill Institute, an educational haven for Black youths in Alabama during the early 1900s. The story unveils Edwards' personal history, from his upbringing in the shadow of slavery to his unwavering commitment to education as a tool for empowerment. Readers witness the challenges faced by the Edwards family and the broader Black community, including economic hardship and the deep scars left by slavery. The narrative underscores Edwards' early pursuit of knowledge and the important figures who shaped his values, ultimately fueling his passion to address the systemic issues within the Black Belt and uplift his community through education.