News & Updates

April 11-17 is Black Maternal Health Week

Did you know that Black women are 2 times more likely to die from complications during or after childbirth? In recognition of Black Maternal Health Week, we examine the Black maternal health crisis in South Carolina to raise awareness and foster discussions about the urgent need to address these alarmingly high mortality rates. To watch the video, visit our YouTube page

If you missed our full research brief on Black Maternal Health from Statistical and Research Analyst Alicia Paige, visit https://cma.sc.gov/research.

Holder-Holt, JV Informational Session and Market Outreach

Holder-Holt, JV Construction will be hosting a trade partner Info Session and Market Outreach event on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 5 p.m. at The Opportunity Center, 8570 Rivers Ave., North Charleston, SC 29406. Holder-Holt is currently working on several data center projects for a confidential client. REGISTER ONLINE TODAY

Registration Open for Minority Self-Publishing Authors Roundtable 

2025 Roundtable Focuses on Children’s Books

The South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs and the Charleston County Public Library will host a Minority Self-Publishing Authors Roundtable on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon at Keith Summey North Charleston Library (3503 Rivers Ave., North Charleston, SC 29405).

This year’s roundtable will focus on elevating the voices of children’s book authors. The goal of the Authors Roundtable is to foster dialogue, collaboration, and inspiration among authors who are dedicated to creating diverse and representative literature for young readers. Register online at Eventbrite.

From colorful adventures to lessons on acceptance and kindness, these authors are creating meaningful and culturally rich stories that reflect the diversity of our state.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the following multicultural authors:

  • Abby Feria, “Not Your Fault”
  • Candace Richardson, “Osiyo, Little Rabbit”
  • Sherrika Myers, “Herbie Goes to School”
  • Willa McGirth-Singleton, “Andrew Dennis Harper Davis and His Favorite Girl, Laila”

Guests will hear about their creative journeys, creating engaging characters, story development and more. The event will also feature a read along for children ages 10 and under. Children attending the event will have an opportunity to meet Herbie, take photos and learn about the mascot's role in Myers books. 

Turning Page Bookshop owner, VaLinda Miller, will serve as the moderator.

Admission to the Minority Self-Publishing Authors Roundtable is free. Space is limited, and registration is required. To register, visit Eventbrite

For more information, call the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs at 803-333-9621.

SCCMA Advisory Committee and Board of Commissioners Meetings in March

The South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs held the following Advisory Committee and Board of Commissioners meetings during the month of March.

  • Hispanic Latino Affairs Advisory Committee, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 10 a.m. (Virtual) (Agenda) (Livestream)
  • Native American Affairs Advisory Committee, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 10 a.m. (Virtual) (Agenda) (Livestream)
  • Small and Minority Business Advisory Committee, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 10 a.m. (Virtual) (Agenda) (Livestream)
  • Board of Commissioners, Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 10 a.m. (Virtual) (Agenda) (Livestream)

Cost Burdens Affecting Housing Affordability for Minority Households in South Carolina

With this publication, the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs (CMA) continues a series on cost-burdened households in South Carolina. The most recent economic data for South Carolina underscores the continued rapid growth in housing expenses. In fact, due to the prevalence of negative economic indicators we found a reason to further research the available data to reveal trends and probabilities that could be of interest to personal and policy decisions in avoiding or preventing cost-burdened living arrangements. By shifting the focus from supply-and-demand issues to the factors affecting individuals and communities, this research aims to identify indicators that can signal potential housing affordability risks. By understanding these factors, individuals and communities can proactively assess their situation and implement strategies to mitigate cost-burden and can also improve the role of community institutions and local support networks in assisting households in need. (DOWNLOAD PDF)

State Statistical Profile FY23-24 Released

The South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs released its FY2023-24 Statistical Profile, a comprehensive report on the socio-economic conditions faced by the state’s ethnic minority communities, on Monday, December 9, 2024. The Statistical Profile serves to frame policy discussions around the importance of targeted interventions across a range of issues affecting minority communities today.

Download the Statistical Profile FY2023-2024-PDF | 2024 State Statistical Profile Presentation-PDF | Download the AAPI Statistical Profile 2024 Edition-PDF | Download the AAPI Statistical Profile Presentation-PPT