The purpose of this slide deck is to shine a spotlight on education in the American South with a focus on equity and to provide an understanding of the historical, social, political, and economic context in which the education sector operates. Any movement serious about improving education and life outcomes for underserved student groups -- including low-income, minority, and rural -- must engage the South. The South is home to 56 percent of all black students in the United States. Poverty rates and free and reduced-price lunch eligibility are higher in the South than in other regions. The region is also an economic powerhouse, contributing more to the U.S. economy than any other region. Yet the economic reality for many people living in the South is stark. Poverty rates are higher and incomes are lower in the South than in other regions. Southern states rank among the bottom in measures of health and well-being. Meanwhile, with a few notable exceptions, education reform efforts in the South are spotty at best. This deck of slides provides the latest information available on the education landscape in the South. The goal is to inform; to spark deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in education in the American South and more work to address the needs of students in this diverse and complex region of our country.