According to reports from the Brookings Institution, minorities were primarily responsible for gains in which area between 1990 and 2000?

The correct answer highlights that between 1990 and 2000, minorities played a significant role in the demographic changes in suburbs. This period marked a notable shift as many minorities moved from urban centers to suburban areas, seeking better living conditions, schools, and opportunities. This migration contributed to a more diverse suburban population, leading to an expansion of community services, economic growth, and changes in the political landscape in these areas.

The focus on the suburbs is particularly important as it reflects broader trends in American society during that decade, where suburbanization was not only about physical movement but also about changing social dynamics, particularly as minority groups began to seek out homeownership and a stake in suburban communities. This shift in populations profoundly influenced housing markets, educational systems, and local economies.

The urban centers were already experiencing significant diversity before this period, while rural areas tended to see slower population growth and were less influenced by the influx of minorities during that decade. Coastal regions often attract different demographic trends, typically related to tourism or specific industries, rather than being primarily influenced by minority migration patterns. Thus, the focus on suburbs as the area where minorities made notable gains aligns with demographic studies conducted during that time frame.