The Southern Regional Council fights for racial justice, the South’s unfinished business.
We accomplish our mission by:
  • Producing fact-based research/policy analysis, publications and advocacy directed at informing public policy, particularly in the area of racial justice and poverty

  • Encouraging Southern writers to speak out on issues of race and fairness, and

  • Igniting and supporting the passion for justice among Southerners of good will.

To direct the implementation of SRC’s mission, three primary programs guide the agency’s work.

Social Justice Education

Lillian Smith Book Award and Young Writer’s Guild                                             
SRC initiated the Lillian Smith Book Awards shortly after Lillian Smith's death to recognize authors whose writing extends the legacy of this outspoken writer, educator and social critic who challenged her fellow Southerners and all Americans on issues of social and racial justice.

Since 2004, SRC has presented the awards in a partnership with the University of Georgia Libraries, where Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library houses a historic collection of Lillian Smith's letters and manuscripts. The Georgia Center for The Book became a partner in 2007 when the awards ceremony first became part of the Decatur Book Festival.

Emerging Leaders Outreach                                                                                 
SRC encourages analysis, discussion and debate around issues relating to racial justice, poverty and equality amongst the emerging leaders, academics, organizers, and public intellectuals by providing opportunities for study and discussion on campuses of Southern colleges and universities and within the framework of SRC’s organizational structure.

Public Advocacy

Annual Symposiums and Town Hall Meetings

    Southern Changes writers and researchers                                         

    SRC Southern States Legislative Review                                          

    State of the South Report findings                                                 

Regional Advisory Council Cluster Convening                                   

Through the Regional Advisory Board cluster meetings and gathering of Southern elected officials, colleges and universities, SRC will facilitate an exchange of ideas and information that historically has been the strength of SRC’s “Council” membership.

Convening of Southern Colleges and Universities                                

SRC will encourage analysis, discussion and debate around issues relating to racial justice, poverty and equality among the emerging leaders, academics, organizers, and public intellectuals by providing opportunities for study and discussion on campuses of Southern colleges and universities and within the framework of SRC’s organizational structure.  

SRC Action Agenda and related training/technical assistance          

SRC plans to leverage the ideas and findings presented in the State of the South as the analytical framework for a comprehensive collection of recommendations in the form of model legislation and programs entitled the SRC Action Agenda.  This action agenda will serve as the SRC’s roadmap for its future advocacy and programmatic efforts and as a foundation to educate and inform communities; facilitate public dialogue around racial disparities and poverty. 

 

Information and Publications

Southern Changes                      

Southern Changes has been SRC’s primary publication.  This journal has published original research conducted in collaboration with SRC as well as articles and works from scholars, leaders and practitioners throughout the South.  Southern Changes has provided a proactive vehicle to publicize newly developed ideas and policy initiatives that evolve from SRC’s policy analysis work.  In addition, the journal has provided a forum for public intellectuals to share their perspectives on issues important to racial justice and social change. 

Issues Briefs, Position/White Papers & Articles

Leading up to the publication of the State of the South Report and in support of the SRC Action Agenda, this series of materials provides the opportunity to respond to issues developing out of Southern state legislatures.  Distributed to mass media outlets, this series of issue briefs, position/white papers and articles will provide a clear description of the impact of legislation on communities of color.

SRC Southern States Legislative Review                                               

This publication provides valuable information to grassroots advocates and lawmakers.  The Annual Analysis encourages grassroots leaders to consider the larger goal of a more just society and documents in a clear and concise format, progress and setbacks in the movement.   

State of the South Report                                                          

The report analyzes data on hate crimes, ethnic geographic dispersion, economic status of minority communities, ethnic geographic dispersion, educational achievements about communities of color, and other factors which impact racial justice, quality of life and development of communities of color.  The SRC State of the South Report is distinctive because it allows researchers, advocates, and citizens to analyze racial justice issues and how they impact society over time.