The tale of our rural work in 2022,

especially in states like GA, NC, TX and

AR, is one of resentment and frustration.

Our work with Black men in rural spaces

last year painted the truths of Maslow’s

hierarchy needs for all of us. Black men,

making up one of, if not the most vulnerable

population, in rural spaces, were less likely

to display faith in government. Because of

that lack of faith these brothers were also

least likely to participate in civic activities.

The continued idea that investing in rural

communities is a waste of resources has

stripped all civic infrastructure from rural

spaces, further alienating Black men with

the entire electoral process.

As they languish in chronic poverty,

these transnational organizations show up

only asking for votes and rarely oering

an escape from the grips of poverty. This

phenomenon doesn’t just aect Black

men’s desire to participate in civic life, it

also negatively aects how they feel about

their community writ-large, including their

trust in their neighbors which prevents

them from finding value in community

cooperation, or that even exist.

RURAL

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