The Official Web Site of the State of South Carolina

South Carolina African American Heritage Commission

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From left: Leevy’s Funeral Home, Wilkinson High School state historical marker dedication, Hough’s Hotel state historical marker dedication, Ruth’s Beauty Parlor.

The movement toward recognizing the importance of preserving this cultural richness led to the passage of a joint resolution of the General Assembly in 1993 that established the South Carolina African American Heritage Council and to its establishment as a commission in 2001 by executive order of Governor Jim Hodges.  

The mission of the South Carolina African American Heritage Commission (SCAAHC) is to identify and promote the preservation of historic sites, structures, buildings, and culture of the African American experience in South Carolina, and to assist and enhance the efforts of the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. The 15-member commission includes representatives from all regions of the state.  

List of South Carolina African American Heritage Commission Members (PDF)

List of South Carolina African American Heritage Commission Nonvoting Associate Members (PDF)

For more information about the Commission, please contact Ayanna Goines, SCDAH African American History Consultant, 803-896-8256. Please also visit the New Independent SC African American Heritage Commission Website.

Upcoming Events

Save The Date! The 4th Annual Uplifting Voices Conference will be held on February 27, 2027 at the SC Archives & History Center.

Thank you for attending the 2026 Annual Uplifting Voices Conference at the SC Archives & History Center and helping to make it a success! Conference Agenda

Commission Meetings

December 3, 2026
September 3, 2026
May 28, 2026 - Agenda
March 5, 2026 - Agenda

Newsletter

Subscribe to the SC African American Heritage Commission newsletter

Preserving Our Places in History Awards 

Award Recipients Master List, 2006-2021 (PDF)

Commission Goals
  • Increase the social, political, and economic value of African American heritage.
  • Encourage and demonstrate respect for all heritage.
  • Encourage the documentation of African American heritage.
  • Institutionalize African American heritage as an ongoing goal of preservation.
  • Explore every area of South Carolina for African American contributions. 
Commission Services
  • Providing advice and technical information—in partnership with the Department of Archives and History—to individuals and groups who want to preserve historic places;
  • Encouraging and supporting the listing of African American historic sites in the National Register of Historic Places and the placement of South Carolina Historical Markers to recognize and interpret places important in African American history;
  • Promoting the infusion of African American history into the curriculum of public schools through a partnership with the Avery Research Center for African American History & Culture and the South Carolina Department of Education;
  • Providing a forum for people interested in preserving African American heritage to learn what is happening across the state, to share success stories, and to receive technical information through meetings and workshops; and
  • Collaborating with other organizations and agencies to encourage the preservation of South Carolina’s African American history and culture. 
Commission Accomplishments
Commission Awards