BREAKING THE CYCLE OF ECONOMIC INSTABILITY AMONG BLACK/AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES THROUGH STRATEGIES FOR RESILIENCE AND GROWTH IN GRANVILLE AND VANCE COUNTIES

Granville and Vance Counties in North Carolina face significant challenges related to social determinants<br />of health (SDOH), which disproportionately affect their Black/African American populations. Key issues<br />such as food insecurity, limited educational opportunities, and poor infrastructure contribute to cycles of<br />poverty and poor health outcomes. In response, this proposal presents sustainable, upstream strategies to<br />improve economic stability and drive systemic change. Central to this approach is the formation of a<br />diverse, community-led task force that prioritizes equitable access to employment, education, housing,<br />and healthcare. The plan includes cross-sector collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven<br />decision making to ensure long-term impact. By addressing root causes rather than temporary fixes, this<br />initiative aims to reduce disparities and foster resilient communities. Strategic recommendations are<br />grounded in systems thinking, continuous quality improvement, and inclusive design to ensure<br />marginalized voices are heard and empowered throughout the process.