During the past two years of social, health and economic upheaval, those in society who are most vulnerable – women, people of color, rural residents, those who earn lower incomes and hold less wealth – faced the greatest risk of irreparable harm. The pandemic widened longstanding disparities, and laid bare systemic barriers that prevent people of color – America’s emerging majority – from fully contributing to the nation’s prosperity.
Across the Deep South, where these pernicious conditions are particularly severe, HOPE stood in the breach to support people on the economy’s edge, helping our neighbors survive, and forging pathways for them to realize their potential.