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SC Commission for Minority Affairs to Host Virtual Celebration Recognizing Black History Month

Published Date

For Immediate Release
February 16, 2021
Contact: Shireese M. Bell at 803-563-0283 or sbell@cma.sc.gov

Daily Messages to be Shared on Facebook and Youtube

The South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs (SCCMA) will celebrate Black History Month with a video spotlight series recognizing partners and community leaders beginning Wednesday, February 17, 2021.

Last year, the Commission for Minority Affairs held a black-tie optional gala celebrating the significant contributions and achievements of African Americans. Due to the pandemic, the 2021 celebration is going virtual with daily messages from leaders in education, business, community development and more. This year's theme is "Still Standing."

"The pandemic has disrupted our lives, forcing us to close schools, businesses and the doors to our churches," said Dr. Delores Dacosta, Executive Director for the SC Commission for Minority Affairs. "Throughout it all, we have continued to stand tall as we face these new challenges."

"We hope the video series will be a source of inspiration during this time of uncertainty," Dacosta said.

Messages will be posted to the agency's Facebook and Youtube pages through February 26, 2021

Video Presentation Schedule

February 16: Dr. Delores Dacosta, Executive Director of the SC Commission for Minority Affairs and SCCMA Commissioner Juwan Ayers, 6th District (kickoff)

February 17: Cynthia Haddad, African American Affairs Program Manager, SCCMA and Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President of Benedict College

February 18: Dr. Willie L. Todd, Jr., President, Denmark Technical College

February 19: Dr. Matthew W. Guah, Chair & Professor of Business Administration, SC State University

February 22: Lester Young Jr., Founder, Path2Redemption

February 23: Rep. Marvin Pendarvis, District 113, South Carolina State Representative

February 24: Bernie Mazyck, President/CEO, South Carolina Association of Community Economic Development

February 25: Calvin Whitfield, President/CEO, CCCS International; Norma Lynn Brown, Founder/CEO, Lynn Brown Inspires Young CEO's and Leaders of Tomorrow; and Nia Berry, CEO of Simone's Scrubs (social media graphic presentation)

February 26: Maya Rose Phillips, Miss Black SC USA

To view the video series, follow the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs on Facebook and Youtube.

For more information, contact Shireese M. Bell, Public Information Director, at 803-563-0283 or sbell@cma.sc.gov.

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