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Future Citizens: On the Changing Demographics of Public-School Enrollments in South Carolina
Providing a growing, diverse population with the appropriate educational resources from preschool through secondary education is vital if the state’s economic development objectives are to be met. In this brief, Research Director Dr. Robert P. Fenton examines the state’s changing public-school demographics to bring awareness to areas where specialized curriculum and administration changes might be made. (DOWNLOAD PDF)
SCCMA Board of Commissioners Meeting
The South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs will hold a virtual Board of Commissioners meeting on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 10 a.m.
Those who wish to participate in the public input portion of the meeting should email your comments to info@cma.sc.gov. Comments must be received no later than noon on the day of the scheduled meeting. Please include the following information when submitting public comment:
- Name
- Phone Number
- Date of Meeting
- Meeting Name
- Agenda Item
- Comment (500 words or less)
For more information, contact the SC Commission for Minority Affairs at 803-333-9621 or info@cma.sc.gov. VIEW THE AGENDA.
Missed the meeting? Visit our YouTube page to view a recap of our virtual meetings.
Registration Open for Minority Self-Publishing Authors Roundtable
The South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs held a Minority Self-Publishing Authors Roundtable on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at EdVenture Children’s Museum (211 Gervais St., Columbia, SC 29201).
From developing a story or idea for a book to navigating the publishing process, the Minority Self-Publishing Authors Roundtable empowered attendees with the tools needed to self-publish a book.
Attendees engaged with the following multicultural publishers and authors:
- Linder Green, Publisher
- Dr. Walter B. Curry, Publisher
- Neena Love, Publisher
- Chiquanda Tillie, Author
- Fa’apepele Hunkin, Author
- Carson Faust, Author
To view photos from the event, visit our Facebook page.
Unattainable Dreams: Housing Affordability in South Carolina
In our latest research brief, Statistician Max Petushko examines new data sources and releases to further explore dynamics addressed in the July 2022 brief "Unaffordable Housing." By integrating data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) and Federal Reserve Economic Data (fred.stlouisfed.org), this research spotlights major socioeconomic dynamics and connections between affordable housing, vacant houses, and householder age patterns in South Carolina. (DOWNLOAD PDF)
South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs Among Notable State Documents Winners
The South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs’ Statistical Profile FY2021-2022 has been recognized by the South Carolina State Library as one of the most notable South Carolina State Documents of 2023.
"At the SC Commission for Minority Affairs, we believe in the power of data to drive meaningful change,” Executive Director Dr. Delores Dacosta said. “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to providing the most comprehensive data that empowers decision-makers and help us continue to provide constructive solutions to support the socio-economic development of ethnic minorities in South Carolina. We are honored to receive this prestigious award for our Statistical Profile.”
Government documents come in a variety of formats. Winning categories include state agency monographs, serials, and websites or apps. These noteworthy publications call attention to some of the most informative documents released by state agencies in 2023.
The Statistical Profile serves to frame policy discussions around the importance of targeted interventions across a range of issues affecting minority communities today. The profile details the state’s cultural diversity and demographic shifts, economic and employment trends, educational and housing prospects, and health indicators.
“Our Statistical Profile serves as a cornerstone in understanding and addressing the unique needs of minority communities in South Carolina,” SCCMA Research Director Dr. Robert P. Fenton said. “I’m proud of our team’s dedication and expertise in producing this notable and extensive report.”
Winners of the South Carolina Notable State Documents awards are announced in honor of Freedom of Information Day, which occurs annually on March 16. Awards will be presented to the winning agencies and authors in a ceremony to be held at 10:00 a.m. at the State Library on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. For more information about the awards program, please visit the SC State Library’s subject guide.
Nominations for the Notable Documents Awards were submitted throughout the calendar year, with final candidates being judged by a panel of librarians and state employees.
Publications were judged based on their designs, writing styles, and breadth of information. The judges chose a unique group of twelve publications and websites for recognition, including a report on the effects of social isolation on older adults, a lovely annual publication showcasing the state’s agriculture industry, and a newly redesigned website by the agency charged with guiding the development of the arts in our state.
Leesa Aiken, South Carolina State Library director said, "South Carolina state documents provide a wealth of information, statistics, and share a broad range of knowledge about our state. I am pleased that we are able to publicly recognize these important publications and websites as notable documents and it is my hope that all South Carolina state agencies continue to produce high quality documents such as these."
South Carolina State Library 2023 Notable State Documents Winners:
https://guides.statelibrary.sc.gov/sc-state-documents-depository/award
Comparing 2022 American Community Survey 1-year Estimates with Recent Years
In our latest research brief, Research and Statistical Analyst Zhengyang Lin explores changes in key facets of the state’s minority demographics – ranging from population to education attainment – by comparing the 2021 and 2022 American Community Survey (ACS). (DOWNLOAD PDF)