(A) The South Carolina Commission of Archives and History shall establish the South Carolina African-American Heritage Commission to assist and enhance the efforts of the department to preserve and promote historic buildings, structures, and sites reflecting the State's African-American heritage. The commission shall:

(1) promote public awareness of buildings, sites, and structures associated with South Carolina's African-American heritage through publications, presentations, and workshops;

(2) support African-American heritage education at the elementary, secondary, and college levels;

(3) build a network of African-American individuals and groups interested in historic preservation;

(4) support the recruitment and hiring of African-American professionals by historical organizations and agencies;

(5) advise the Commission of Archives and History on matters relating to the identification and preservation of buildings, structures, and sites associated with African-American history and the programs and services of the department.

(B) The South Carolina African-American Heritage Commission shall consist of fifteen members appointed to staggered terms by the South Carolina Commission of Archives and History. The members of the African-American Heritage Commission shall represent all geographic regions of the State. The South Carolina Commission of Archives and History also may appoint other nonvoting members representing appropriate organizations. The members may not receive per diem, but must be reimbursed for mileage and subsistence from the State Historic Preservation Grant Fund.

(C) The African-American Heritage Commission also shall include nonvoting associate members who must be kept informed of its activities and invited to attend meetings. Associate members shall form a network of individuals and groups across the State who are interested in the preservation of properties associated with African-American history. Associate members are not eligible for per diem, mileage, and subsistence.

(D) The African-American Heritage Commission shall meet quarterly and shall plan activities to carry out its duties as enumerated in subsection (A). It shall establish bylaws for appointing members, electing officers, and conducting meetings.

(E) The South Carolina Department of Archives and History shall serve in a nonvoting advisory role to the African-American Heritage Commission and shall provide information and staff assistance. The commission must be funded through the State Historic Preservation Grant Fund, South Carolina's annual allocation from the federal Historic Preservation Fund, and any nonstate funds contributed to the commission.

(F) This resolution does not preclude the African-American Heritage Commission from receiving a charter as a nonprofit organization at a future date.

HISTORY: 2007 Act No. 47, Section 1.

Code Commissioner's Note

This section was codified at the direction of the Code Commissioner.