| The Lessons are Woven In By Elyse Griffin and Cate Elander The 2025 State of the South Report gives us a recent snapshot of the South. It also encourages us to reflect on the policies and actions that have led us to this moment and allows us to imagine a future where all people thrive. By reflecting on our collective history, we can see where we have been and give ourselves room to dream about what is possible through intentional and collective action. As we release our newest State of the South report, we want to connect to the history of Southern textiles that so closely mirrors our Southern history. Much like the overarching history of the South, the story of fiber and textile production in the South is fraught. It is a history of oppression, violence, resistance, resilience, and beauty. The textile industry, historically one of the major economic engines of the US economy, has relied on forced labor of enslaved people and, more recently, the devaluing and exploitation of skilled crafts persons. At the same time, fiber arts like spinning, weaving, quilting, and dyeing have also been a refuge for people across the South. These creative and practical skills have kept people warm, documented our history, connected communities, and sparked resistance. Read the full article here. |
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| The Lessons are Woven In By Elyse Griffin and Cate Elander The 2025 State of the South Report gives us a recent snapshot of the South. It also encourages us to reflect on the policies and actions that have led us to this moment and allows us to imagine a future where all people thrive. By reflecting on our collective history, we can see where we have been and give ourselves room to dream about what is possible through intentional and collective action. As we release our newest State of the South report, we want to connect to the history of Southern textiles that so closely mirrors our Southern history. Much like the overarching history of the South, the story of fiber and textile production in the South is fraught. It is a history of oppression, violence, resistance, resilience, and beauty. The textile industry, historically one of the major economic engines of the US economy, has relied on forced labor of enslaved people and, more recently, the devaluing and exploitation of skilled crafts persons. At the same time, fiber arts like spinning, weaving, quilting, and dyeing have also been a refuge for people across the South. These creative and practical skills have kept people warm, documented our history, connected communities, and sparked resistance. Read the full article here. |
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| | Partner & Project Highlights |
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| Partner & Project Highlights |
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|  | Economic Security and Mobility Student Debt Policy Roundtable: Building Solutions for North Carolina & the South The MDC Student Debt Relief Coalition partnered with the Student Borrower Protection Center and the Center for Responsible Lending to host an exploratory policy discussion and educational opportunity for student debt stakeholders in North Carolina. On January 16th, stakeholders gathered in Durham to discuss the student debt crisis and explore solutions for North Carolina residents. The conversation revealed both the scope of the challenge and promising pathways forward through collaborative action. Read More → |
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|  | Economic Security and Mobility Direct File is now available in North Carolina! Did you know that North Carolinians have a new, easy, online tax filing service this year? And even better - it’s free to use! Direct File is a new service that lets eligible taxpayers file their federal and state taxes directly with the government, from the convenience of their mobile device or personal computer. It’s available in English and Spanish and is designed to be simple, secure, and always free. Direct File is transforming how people file their taxes! Read More → |
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| Economic Security and Mobility Student Debt Policy Roundtable: Building Solutions for North Carolina & the South The MDC Student Debt Relief Coalition partnered with the Student Borrower Protection Center and the Center for Responsible Lending to host an exploratory policy discussion and educational opportunity for student debt stakeholders in North Carolina. On January 16th, stakeholders gathered in Durham to discuss the student debt crisis and explore solutions for North Carolina residents. The conversation revealed both the scope of the challenge and promising pathways forward through collaborative action. Read More → |
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| Economic Security and Mobility Direct File is now available in North Carolina! Did you know that North Carolinians have a new, easy, online tax filing service this year? And even better - it’s free to use! Direct File is a new service that lets eligible taxpayers file their federal and state taxes directly with the government, from the convenience of their mobile device or personal computer. It’s available in English and Spanish and is designed to be simple, secure, and always free. Direct File is transforming how people file their taxes! Learn More → |
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| | | | With funding cliff looming, NC must invest outside of traditional childcare centers MDC Program Director for Education Equity, Courtney Alexander writes about why North Carolina leaders should fund home-based care, or family, friend, and neighbor care in Cardinal and Pine. Good childcare doesn’t just happen in traditional childcare centers. North Carolina leaders should fund home-based care, or family, friend, and neighbor care. Childcare has immeasurable power to shape who a young person becomes and with that great power comes immense responsibility. Read More → |
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 | #EquityInAction Series We recently launched the #EquityInAction series authored by Race Matters Institute Director, Kamilah Pickett. The series highlights the stories of southern artists, activists and advocates whose work is directly connected to MDC’s four focus areas: Educational Equity, Economic Security and Mobility, Rural Prosperity and Investment, and Equity-Centered Leadership and Philanthropy. Please click on the links to read on about our featured Southern leaders in March: Margaret Rose Murray and Oseola McCarty. Margaret Rose Murray Oseola McCarty |
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| | | | | | The 2025 State of the South Report is here! The State of the South, MDC’s premier publication, began in 1996 as a report on the economic conditions and demographic trends affecting the South. Over time, the report’s influence grew, helping shape the priorities of nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, and elected leaders throughout the region. We are excited to present you with a new model for State of the South. This report is a testament to the vital conversations shaping our region’s future. It highlights the remarkable leaders driving change in their communities and MDC’s efforts to build an equitable and inclusive South. Learn More → |
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 | ICYMI: State of the South Artists Recap Video Check out these highlights from the amazing artists who contributed to our State of the South convenings in North Carolina, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Georgia from 2022-2024. Many thanks to the artists featured in this video, including Giwayen Mata, Johnny Lee Chapman, Antonio Alanís, Harlem Farr, Soul Food Cypher, Asiah Thomas (A$iahMae), Marcus Amaker, Poor Rich Kollective, and Cornbread and Tortillas. Thanks also to South Arts for helping connect us with artists across the region. Watch Video → |
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307 W Main St | Durham, North Carolina 27701
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