Why did the term black belt of the south have a double meaning?

The term "black belt of the South" has a double meaning because it refers both to a geographical region known for its rich, dark soil conducive to cotton farming and to the historical context of racial dynamics. The area, primarily in Alabama and Mississippi, was a center for plantation agriculture and slavery, which created a stark racial divide. Additionally, the term "black belt" has been used to denote the high concentration of African American population and culture in these regions, reflecting both agricultural significance and the legacy of systemic racism.