The South Carolina African American Heritage Commission presented achievement awards to nine influencers recently for lifetime leadership or significant contributions in 2020 to preserving and promoting African American history in the state.  Under the theme “Preserving Our Places in History: Lest We Forget,” the program was highlighted by keynote speaker state Senator Mia McLeod, who challenged the virtual audience to become the change they’re expecting for the future. “We have to first understand our history, then we have to challenge ourselves and each other to make history,” she said. “And finally, we have to muster the courage to change history, lest we forget and repeat it.”

The Village Group was one of two organizations recognized across the state. The Village Group of Georgetown County is comprised of community leaders, parents, elders and concerned citizens with one common interest: to improve the Plantersville community and build a brighter future for our children. During the early months of the pandemic, Georgetown County school children were provided with access to Chromebooks, but many had no access to the internet.  HTC and The Village Group partnered to help provide Wi-Fi hotspots at the Plantersville Cultural Center and the Plantersville Community Center. The Village Group, a nonprofit serves approximately 88% of Plantersville Elementary School students in an after school program.

The South Carolina African American Heritage Commission was established through a joint resolution passed by the South Carolina General Assembly on May 14, 1993. The South Carolina African American Heritage Commission (SCAAHC) is devoted to preserving and promoting the rich history and culture of African Americans in the Palmetto State. Since its inception, the Commission has enhanced the efforts of the South Carolina Department of Archives and History to document and educate the public about the Black experience in South Carolina through cultural programs, curriculum development, teacher training workshops, the publication of books and online resources, and the preservation of historic spaces.