The movement toward recognizing the importance of preserving cultural richness led to the passage of a joint resolution of the General Assembly in 1993 that established the South Carolina African American Heritage Council, and to its establishment as a commission in 2001 by executive order of Governor Jim Hodges.
Since its inception, the South Carolina African American Heritage Council has partnered with historians, community associations, and State Historic Preservation Office staff to increase the number of African American historic sites recognized with either historical markers or listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the official list of national historic structures.
In 1993, only 36 African American historic sites had markers or were listed on the National Register. Today, as a result of the Commission’s tireless advocacy and collaboration with its partners, more than 300 sites have been commemorated.
References:
- South Carolina African American Heritage Council. n.d “South Carolina African American Heritage Council.”