Conference
The Commission hosts an annual conference dedicated to “Uplifting Voices” with panels covering a variety of topics each year. Join the Commission and others interested in Black South Carolina history and its continued impact and importance in our lives.
Mark Your Calendars for the 2027 SCAAHC Uplifting Voices Annual Conference!
Call for Proposals is Open for 2027 Annual Conference!
Panels will cover a wide array of topics related to African American history, culture, and heritage across South Carolina. This year’s planned thematic panels are:
- Black Artistic Expression: Presentations should focus on the history of Black art (music, performance art, visual art, literary art, etc.) or Black art movements in South Carolina
- Black Leisure and Recreation: Presentations should focus on the history of parks, beaches, trails, or other recreational sites that specifically catered to the leisure activities of the Black South Carolina population. Photos of these sites may be displayed during the conference.
- HBCUs in South Carolina: Presentations should cover the influence of historically Black colleges and universities across South Carolina. The scope of the project may cover a single or multiple institutions, areas of study, activities, etc.
- Historic Black Cemetery Preservation: Presentations should consist of case studies and practical advice on how to research, preserve, and protect historic Black cemeteries across the state
- Student Research: This session will include current projects by undergraduate and graduate students researching topics related to African American history, heritage, and culture
Other topics may be considered, but should be directly related to the involvement and impact of African American people in South Carolina. Presentations should be interactive and, if applicable, provide strategies and solutions that attendees can apply in their own communities or organizations. Presenters will have up to 20 minutes each with 15 minutes total for Q&A. Proposals may be combined with other proposed sessions when appropriate. No more than two (2) speakers for a proposed presentation.
Presenters at all phases of their career are encouraged to submit proposals, including undergraduate students, graduate students, independent scholars, organizational leaders, etc.
To submit a proposal: Please fill out the JotForm at this link: https://form.jotform.com/261593241010041 Proposals submitted by email will not be accepted. Fine print: No proposals will be accepted after October 5th 2026. You will be notified via email if the proposal is selected or not by October 26th 2026. If the proposal is accepted, you must send a finalized presentation no later than February 19th, 2027. Presentations and speakers may be recorded. If proposal is accepted, a release form will be sent to presenters to consent or refuse to have their persons and information recorded.
2026 Conference Schedule
Download a copy of our conference schedule flyer or view the full schedule below.
8:30 AM – 8:55 AM
9:00 AM – 9:10 AM
9:15 AM – 10:25 AM
Check In
Opening Welcome
1st Session Block
SC250: Black Involvement in the American Revolution
At the beginning of American Revolution in the fall of 1775, Loyalists began to flee from the colonies, leaving behind their enslaved labor force. Patriot Committees of Safety saw these “masterless” Black men and women as potential instigators of revolts and set out to confiscate them. Learn about Patriot carceral politics, the Black carceral experience, and how freedom was denied to the Black population as America earned its independence.
Preservation of the Land
Hear from various organizations across the state who have taken steps to preserve the history and legacy of schools with significant importance to the Black community. From Clarendon to Columbia, during Reconstruction and the Civil Rights era, these schools have rich stories that are told today in various ways.
9:15AM – 10:25AM
2nd Session Block
Black Entrepreneurs & Entrepreneurship
Hear about the significance of Black businesses in the late 19th and early 20th century. During this time of financial and political progress for Black Americans, businesses were formed, creating safety and community.
Black Artistic Expression
This panel discusses the use of visual arts to portray Black history. Speakers will talk about the impact of using narrative images to tell stories whether they be genealogical, educational, or for entertainment.
11:45 AM – 12:55 PM
1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
LUNCH
2nd Session Block
Don’t Wait, Do!
Learn from individuals who took action to preserve Black South Carolina history. Whether it was a family story or requesting government records, these projects were initiated by people dedicated to protecting unknown and untold stories.
Student Research
Undergraduate and Graduate students will discuss their current research topics pertaining to Black History in South Carolina. Topics range in subject matter, time period, and research methods.
2:20 PM – 3:45 PM
Keynote Address | Dr. Bobby Donaldson & Congressman James E. Clyburn
Dr. Bobby Donaldson & Congressman James E. Clyburn
Two major leaders, Dr. Donaldson and Congressman Clyburn will describe their experiences with preserving the Black stories that make South Carolina history. They will also discuss Congressman Clyburn’s new book, The First Eight.
*Copies of Congressman Clyburn’s book, The First Eight, will be sold at the conference beginning at noon. Books can be signed by Congressman Clyburn in the lobby after the Closing Remarks.
3:45 PM
Closing Remarks
2025 Conference Videos
This year’s conference brought together a diverse group of historians, preservation organizations, individuals, students, and scholars to examine the significance of African American history and its impact on our state and communities. Notably, Civil Rights era photographer, Cecil Williams, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the influence of student protests during the Civil Rights era. Explore videos from the conference, including full panel discussions and exclusive interviews with attendees. Hear diverse perspectives, revisit powerful conversations, and see why this annual gathering continues to inspire and connect people passionate about African American history and culture in South Carolina.
1st Session Block Panels
Gender & Social Movements
The presence of Black women in social movements crosses generations. This panel will discuss the Rollins sisters’ role in 19th-century politics and the Black female hospital workers who organized the 1969 Charleston Hospital Workers’ Campaign.
Leading the Charge: Rollins Sisters
Leading the Charge: Hospital Strikes
Reconstruction Era
Learn about the 1st SC Volunteers of African Descent who served in the Union Army and how you can determine if your community has connections to Black Union soldiers/veterans.
SC’s Forgotten Union Vets
2nd Session Block Panels
Food & Foodways
This panel, with provided tasting samples, will discuss the history and impact of Black foodways and how they are being preserved and promoted to this day.
Harvesting Heritage
Methods for Preserving Black History
Come hear from practitioners in the field on ways they have researched, preserved, and protected Black History in South Carolina.
Putting in the Work: Partnerships
Putting in the Work: Cultural Landscapes
3rd Session Block Panels
Student Research
Students from the University of South Carolina, Allen University, and the College of Charleston will discuss their current research pertaining to African American history. Topics include African-derived spirituality, the block of 1500 Harden Street, the Greyhound Bus Station sit-ins in Columbia, and the John Henry McCray papers.
Student Research: Roots of Rootwork
Student Research: Harden Street
Student Research: Breaking Barriers
Student Research: John Henry McCray
Keynote Address: Cecil Williams
Join Civil Rights photographer Cecil Williams as he discusses the student riots that occurred in South Carolina and the impact they had on the overall Civil Rights Movement.
Interviews with Attendees
Interview with Vivan Glover
Interview with William Bowman
Interview with Dr. Ramon Jackson
Interview with Christina Galloway
Interview with Chef Amethyst Ganaway
2024 Conference Videos
This year’s conference brought together a diverse group of historians, preservation organizations, individuals, students, and scholars to examine the significance of African American history and its impact on our state and communities. Notably, South Carolina historian Dr. Walter Edgar and Commissioner and Clemson professor Dr. Vernon Burton had a keynote discussion on the state of Black History in South Carolina. Explore videos from the conference!