State Agency encourages mutual understanding and harmony among citizens

Organization takes the lead in nationwide day of unity in South Carolina

Columbia, SC – The South Carolina Human Affairs Commission is taking the lead to promote End Racism Day, on Monday, March 21 in South Carolina, with the hope that the day-long commemoration encourages goodwill and harmony in our state. The Commission is inviting state legislators, school groups, business leaders, churches, multicultural groups and the public to participate in scheduled activities in Columbia and throughout the state.

The day, officially observed since 1966 by the United Nations as The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, kicks off with a press conference at the S.C. State House. Human Affairs Commissioner Raymond Buxton, II and state legislators will proclaim End Racism Day in South Carolina.

“This is South Carolina’s time to show the rest of the country we are moving our state in a positive direction by advancing civility and concern rather than hate and divisiveness,” says Commissioner Buxton. “This annual event is a way to help our communities celebrate the differences in each other and in our cultures.”

End Racism Day activities throughout the day in Columbia include:

• 12 pm – Press Conference at the S.C State House
• 12:30 – 1:30 pm – ColumbiaSC63 Guided Walking Tours with Historic Columbia (every 15 minutes)
• 4 pm – Free tour at the Columbia Museum of Art featuring REMIX: Themes and Variations in African-American Art
• 5 pm – No Blame and No Shame: A Conversation About Race, a panel discussion at the Columbia Museum of Art with moderator Beryl Dakers from SCETV
• 6:30 pm – Nickelodeon Theatre presents Wattstax with University of South Carolina professor Nikky Finney