A house RESOLUTION

to commend and celebrate the spartanburg african american heritage and cultural committee and congratulate it on the completion of the southside cultural monument.

Whereas, the Spartanburg African American Heritage and Cultural Committee's (SAAHCC) mission is to promote the value of the African American experience in terms of identification, recognition, preservation and education. In furthering this mission, SAAHCC seeks to honor Spartanburg's Southside community; and

Whereas, approximately a century ago, the Southside community was a thriving Black business district and home to churches, schools, and more than fifty black-owned businesses; and

Whereas, despite growing into a prosperous community for the Black population of Spartanburg, the businesses were displaced and Black families lost their homes during urban renewal efforts by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Property was seized and demolished, and an important piece of Spartanburg history was lost; and

Whereas, through public and private funds, SAAHCC is paying tribute to the Southside community with the building of the Southside Cultural Monument which will celebrate its opening on February 29, 2024; and

Whereas, the monument is meant to inspire and give recognition to the history of the Southside community and to serve as an educational resource for future generations. It establishes a historical landmark highlighting the contributions of African Americans to the City of Spartanburg; and

Whereas, at one hundred and fifty feet long, the monument is comprised of thirty-seven connected panels, designed to showcase a revolving exhibit of historic images that can be changed over time to commemorate the important contributions of Black leaders in and around Spartanburg. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, commend and celebrate the Spartanburg African American Heritage and Cultural Committee and congratulate it on the completion of the Southside Cultural Monument.

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