News & Updates
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May
Governor Henry McMaster proclaimed May 2025 as “Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month” in the State of South Carolina. In recognition of AAPI Heritage Month, the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs will honor and celebrate the approximately 111,152 AAPI residents who call South Carolina home.
Between 2000 and 2020, South Carolina's Asian American and Pacific Islander populations have increased dramatically, outpacing every other racial and ethnic group in the State, according to CMA’s Research and Planning Division. The contributions of these cultures to enriching the diversity of South Carolina are as varied as the cultures and ethnicities themselves.
To honor the AAPI community's dynamic diversity and achievements, the Commission released a video to highlight the history of AAPI Heritage Month. The Commission also created a graphic, designed as a united skyline of iconic landmarks, to pay tribute to the rich tapestry of traditions and heritage across the AAPI community.
Landmarks depicted in the graphic, designed by Administrative Coordinator Avery Wolff and Visual Media Designer Marcee Hudgens, include:
- Moai structures – Located on Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Chile, the Moai are monumental statues built by the Rapa Nui people, symbolizing ancestral reverence and Polynesian ingenuity.
- Clock Tower, Apia – In Apia, Samoa, the Clock Tower is a World War I memorial and colonial-era landmark central to the city's identity.
- Seoul Tower – Perched on Namsan Mountain in Seoul, South Korea, Seoul Tower offers panoramic views and symbolizes modern Korean culture and technology.
- Tō-ji Pagoda – In Kyoto, Japan, Tō-ji’s five-story pagoda is Japan’s tallest wooden tower and a revered symbol of Buddhist heritage.
- Mount Fuji – Mount Fuji, near Tokyo, Japan, is a sacred volcano and national symbol of Japan’s natural beauty and spiritual significance.
- Supertree Grove – Located in Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, the Supertree Grove features towering vertical gardens that showcase eco-friendly urban design.
- San Agustin Church – In Manila, Philippines, San Agustin Church is the oldest stone church in the country and a UNESCO site reflecting Spanish colonial architecture.
- Great Wall of China – Spanning across northern China, the Great Wall is an ancient military fortification and one of the most iconic symbols of Chinese history.
- Taj Mahal – In Agra, India, the Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan, symbolizing eternal love and Mughal artistry.
- India Gate – Located in New Delhi, India, India Gate is a war memorial honoring Indian soldiers who died in World War I and other conflicts.
- Baiterek Tower – Situated in Astana, Kazakhstan, the Baiterek Tower is a modern monument symbolizing national rebirth and the aspirations of a new Kazakhstan.
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
