The Book

THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF

The State of Black South Carolina

The State of Black South Carolina's primary purpose is to improve the quality of life for all South Carolinians. This publication dissects issues facing South Carolinians and advances the discussion on potential solutions. It is required reading for public officials, lawmakers, educators, economic planners, and others who are concerned about improving the quality of life for South Carolinians.

BUY NOW

The State of Black South Carolina 2008, An Action Agenda for South Carolina, is the 20th anniversary publication and a "must read" for all citizens interested in improving our State. The Columbia Urban League collaborated with esteemed researchers and authors to address issues facing African American South Carolinians, including the Forward by Ed Sellers and Introduction by J.T. McLawhorn. Its goal is to raise awareness, promote discussion and encourage solutions to help advance the well-being of African Americans and all South Carolinians.

This book is as a critical reference in the effort to improve the competitiveness and quality of life for our citizens. The health, education and income gap faced by m any of the poorest among us affect the economic well-being of all.

Please take the time to read the articles in this slim volume. Its predecessor edition predicted the current shortage of African American teachers and the increase of gang violence more than 10 years ago. If South Carolina decision-makers had taken heed to the instruction of this 250-page volume, they could possibly have averted some of the crises facing our State today.

Together, let us pay attention to the message of the 2008 State of Black South Carolina and avoid the costly lessons of our past. We invite you to preview its message and purchase your copy of the book online today. You may also view individual chapters and download them to your computer for a modest fee.

Chapter 1 "The More Things Change..."? Rethinking the Barriers to and the Potential of Black Political Empowerment in South Carolina
By: Todd C. Shaw and Willie Black

Chapter 2 Wake Up Call for African American Community: Sizing Up South Carolina’s Youth Gangs Problem
By: Kenneth Campbell

Chapter 3 Violence and Denial Frame Youth Gangs Stories
By: Kenneth Campbell

Chapter 4 Racial Disparities in South Carolina's Juvenile Justice System: A Look at Truancy and Disturbing School
By: Patricia Stone Motes, Andrew Billingsley, Janice P. Rivers, and Chaundrissa Oyeshiku Smith

Chapter 5 A Broken Covenant: South Carolina's Failure to Educate Its Children
By: Stephen G. Morrison

Chapter 6 Academic Achievement among African American Students: A Study of School Performance in South Carolina
By: George C. Bradley and Tina Marshall-Bradley

Chapter 7 Believing in Possibilities: The Center of Excellence for the Education and Equity of African American Students
By: Gloria Swindler Boutte

Chapter 8 HIV/AIDS in South Carolina: Our Day of Reckoning
By: Bambi W. Gaddist

Chapter 9 The Status of Black-Owned Businesses in South Carolina
By: John A. Cole and Lucy J. Reuben