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South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs features SC Housing on CMAmeets

Columbia, SC – SC State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing) creates affordable housing opportunities through several programs, including assistance with homeownership and rentals and home repairs.

On the next episode of CMAmeets, listen in as Deputy Director Marni Holloway discusses her day-to-day responsibilities, SC Housing’s activities during COVID-19, and the impact their resources have had on minority communities around South Carolina.

CMAmeets x SC Housing airs Monday, July 29, 2024, at 11:30 a.m.

CMAmeets is a CMA studio series that highlights the important work that diverse nonprofit leaders, state agency heads, and other critical partners are doing to improve the lives of ethnic minority communities around the state.

CMAmeets is accessible on the South Commission for Minority Affairs’ YouTube channel.

South Carolina Division of Small and Minority Business Contracting and Certification Transferred to CMA

Effective July 3, 2024, the South Carolina Division of Small and Minority Business Contracting and Certification (SMBCC) has been transferred to the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs (246 Stoneridge Drive, Ste. 250, Columbia, SC 29210). The integration of SMBCC into the Commission for Minority Affairs enhances the agency’s services and supports for small and minority businesses across the state.
 
For more information about the Division of Small and Minority Business Contracting and Certification, visit https://smbcc.sc.gov/ or call 803-333-9621.

CMAmeets x Able SC

Kimberly Tissot | Able SC is a disability-led organization that equips, educates, and advocates for equity and inclusion for all people with disabilities. We welcome CEO and President Kimberly Tissot to talk about the work her organization is doing to remove barriers for individuals with disabilities in South Carolina, and how the work of increased access to resources, jobs, and education is impacting people with disabilities in ethnic minority communities. Watch the episode

CMAmeets x SC Department of Social Services

Michael Leach | South Carolina’s Department of Social Services (DSS) helps promote the safety and well-being of children, adults, and families desiring a stable future. On the next episode of CMAmeets, DSS Director Michael Leach discusses the work his organization has done in ensuring the safety of children by prioritizing the needs of families and ensuring the work of DSS is addressing the needs of children, including those from impacted minority families. Watch the episode

SCCMA Advisory Committee and Board of Commissioners Meetings

The South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs will hold the following Advisory Committee and Board of Commissioners meetings:

  • Hispanic Latino Affairs Advisory Committee, Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 10 a.m. (Virtual) (Agenda) (Watch)
  • Board of Commissioners, Monday, July 15, 2024, at 10 a.m. (Virtual) (Agenda)
  • Native American Affairs Advisory Committee, Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the Sumter County Museum, 122 N. Washington St., Ste. A, Sumter, SC 29150 (In Person) (Agenda)
  • CANCELED Small and Minority Business Advisory Committee CANCELED
  • Replay
    • African American Affairs Advisory Committee, Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 10 a.m. (Virtual) (Agenda) (Watch)
    • Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs Advisory Committee, Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 6 p.m. (Virtual) (Agenda) (Watch)
    • Board of Commissioners, Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 10 a.m. (Virtual) (Agenda) (Watch)

The meetings will be streamed live via the Commission’s YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/c/SCCommissionforMinorityAffairs).

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 prior to 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.

SC Commission for Minority Affairs Launches New Video Series Highlighting Nonprofit, State and Community Leaders

Columbia, SC – The South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs (SCCMA) has launched a new studio series to showcase the vital work nonprofit leaders, state agency heads and other key partners are doing to enhance the lives of ethnic minority communities throughout the state.

The series, titled “CMAmeets…” will feature interviews with diverse community and state partners. Viewers will learn about their daily responsibilities, available resources, upcoming projects, and how their group is enhancing the lives of minorities in South Carolina.

“CMAmeets is an opportunity for us to highlight our incredible partners and give viewers an inside look at the programs and initiatives that are making a difference in the lives of the communities we serve,” said SCCMA Executive Director Dr. Delores Dacosta. “Our goal is to inspire and engage our community, while also fostering collaboration and support for programs that promote cultural diversity.”

The first episode features Together SC’s President and Chief Executive Officer Madeleine McGee.

Together SC serves thousands across the state, including nonprofits and philanthropic organizations, who are dedicated to community service, leadership, and making healthy communities.McGee talks about the Together SC’s great nonprofit partners, its plans for the next year, and how its work intersects with minority communities.

CMAmeets is available on SCCMA’s YouTube channel.

Rocky Road: A Brief Examination of Travel Conditions for African American Workers in South Carolina

In South Carolina, most travel is done on the road. Evaluating travel conditions is an important step for the Commission for Minority Affairs in an effort to describe the socio-economic status for minority communities. In this brief, Statistical and Research Analyst Zhengyang Lin explores the conditions of traveling for work for African Americans. Lin examined data provided by American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2022) and the South Carolina Department of Transportation. Data suggests that African Americans are the group that commute via vehicles the most, however, in places where there are significant proportions of African American residents, primary roads are sparse and in poor conditions but with few maintenance projects. (DOWNLOAD PDF)

The Culture Connect Podcast: Columbia International Festival President Dr. Raj Aluri on International Fellowship

Tune in now as #TheCultureConnect celebrates #AAPIHeritageMonth with Dr. Raj Aluri. Immigrating to the United States almost 50 years ago, Raj has created a remarkable legacy for promoting diversity, multicultural embrace, and for ministering the gospel of Jesus Christ to Columbia’s international students. As founder & president of both the Columbia International Festival, which welcomes thousands annually, and International Fellowship Ministries, listen in to this episode as Raj discusses with the host his beginnings in India, his salvation story, his transition to South Carolina, and his journey in cultivating a vibrant international student support & community.

Listen to the episode: YouTube / Spotify