SC Association for Community Economic Development announces voter engagement mini-grants & outreach

CHARLESTON, S.C. — South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED), in partnership with Mary Reynolds Babcock Fund and SC Counts, announced today forty-four (44) grantees of the 2024 Voter Engagement Mini-Grants who received a total of $35,500.   

The grant awards, made possible through funding from the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation and SC Counts, offered a new funding opportunity for South Carolina organizations and community groups to participate in voter engagement initiatives to educate, register, and mobilize voters for the 2024 election. Distributed in September 2024 to give awardees time to educate and register voters before the October deadline, the grant awards assisted organizations with the costs associated with voter engagement education and outreach.

Awardees span across the state and a variety of industries, ranging from community development organizations, nonprofits, fraternity and sorority organizations, community associations, and churches. Grantees used the funds to support voter registration drives, candidate forums, voter transportation to polls, canvassing, voter education and resource sessions, and meals and compensation for volunteers and poll workers. Grant funds were used to provide each of these resources, such as voter registration, education, and transportation, to approximately 4,200 people across South Carolina. This year’s awardees, listed alphabetically, include:

• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Tau Eta Chapter

• Beta Pi Zeta Chapter

• Build and Transform Inc.

• Carolina for All Education Foundation

• Carriage Oaks Homeowner's Association, Inc.

• Centenary United Methodist Church

• Columbia (SC) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated

• Columbia NOW

• Community Uplifting Alliance Project formerly Blackville CDC

• Distinguished, Empowered, Ladies Taking Action, Inc.

• Dorchester Manor Neighborhood Association

• EveryBlackGirl Inc

• First Impression of SC (FISC)

• Florence Section National Council of Negro Women

• Fountain Inn Chamber Foundation

• Francis Burns United Methodist Church

• Gospel in the Park Concert Series

• Grace Impact Development Center

• Grace Impact Development Center (Fiscal Agent Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Berkeley County Alumnae Chapter)

• Greenbrier Resources Community Development Center

• Habitat for Humanity of York County

• Homes of Hope

• Latino Community Development (LCD)

• LifeWorks SC

• Little Africa Community

• LiveWell Greenville

• Lydia's Bowels of Mercy Home, Inc.

• Mary's Angels Independent Living for Young Women

• Necessary Actions

• Nicholtown Neighborhood Association

• Pee Dee Healthy Start Inc.

• Richland County Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

• SC Energy Justice Coalition

• SC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

• SC Housing Justice Network

• Southern Carolina Regional CDC

• Trinity Transitional Housing, Inc

• Trinity U. M. C.

• Urban League of the Upstate

• Williamsburg Enterprise Community Commission

• Xi Phi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Gamma Zeta Chapter

• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated the Phi Phi Zeta Chapter

To aid the grantees and further their voter engagement outreach efforts, SCACED hosted a training covering effective outreach strategies and the legal guidelines and best practices for voter engagement by nonprofit organizations. As SCACED and the grantee organizations engaged their communities to register and mobilize voters, SCACED developed a resource guide for the upcoming 2024 election providing deadlines, resources, and reminders as voters go to the polls.

SCACED encourages you to make sure you are ready to vote this year. After a 13.5% voter participation rate in the June primaries in South Carolina, and considering every South Carolina State Representative and Senator is up for re-election this year, it is imperative to exercise your civic duty and cast your vote. For those interested in learning how nonprofits can engage voters or what you need to be ready to vote this year, contact SCACED here.

About SCACED (www.scaced.org)

SCACED is a coalition of over 200 individuals and organizations who support the development of healthy and economically sustainable communities throughout South Carolina. For 30 years, SCACED and its members have worked collaboratively to build wealth and create economic opportunity for all SC residents including a focus on minority communities and other groups who have been left out of the economic mainstream. Learn more about SCACED here.

About SC Counts (www.sccounts.com)

SC Counts partners works to empower, educate, and engage local communities around civic activities like census completion and redistricting. These federally mandated activities impact the most basic parts of every person’s life ranging from school zoning to where emergency services are placed to who represents the community in every elected office. Strengthening avenues for participation ensures all voices are heard at the decision-making table.

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Bernie Mazyck, President & CEO of SC Association for Community Economic Development, Honored with Charleston Southern University’s 2024 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Bernie Mazyck, President & CEO of South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED), was recognized as Charleston Southern University’s 2024 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year at the university’s Homecoming Chapel and Alumni Awards Luncheon on October 2, 2024.  

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED), and Mazyck has served as its first and only President and Chief Executive Officer. SCACED is the state's trade association and funding intermediary for community-based economic development and financial institutions focused on building wealth in low-wealth communities in South Carolina. Under Mazyck’s leadership, SCACED and its member organizations developed projects valued at over $200 million, with an economic impact in South Carolina of over $400 million. Through SCACED’s members and partners, over 2,500 families purchased their first home, CED organizations created over 6,000 jobs, and thousands of poor families build wealth in rural and distressed communities in South Carolina.  Mazyck also served as the chief architect of the passage of the South Carolina Community Economic Development Act.

Charleston Southern University’s Distinguished Alumnus of the Year award is the most prestigious award given by its Alumni Association and is the hallmark of an alumnus who strives for excellence in all endeavors. It honors the person who has distinguished him or herself in three areas: service to the university, service to the community and achievement in his or her field of endeavor.

“I am honored to receive this year’s Distinguished Alumnus award from my alma mater,” said Mazyck. “Attending Charleston Southern was a formational experience on which I launched my professional career and I am privileged to continue serving the university and expand its network.”

Mazyck is a 1981 graduate of Charleston Southern University with a BS in Biology. He also earned a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Ministry with the Poor from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta. In 2000, Bernie completed the Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at the John F. Kennedy School at Harvard University. 

About SCACED (www.scaced.org)

SCACED is a coalition of over 200 individuals and organizations who support the development of healthy and economically sustainable communities throughout South Carolina. For 30 years, SCACED and its members have worked collaboratively to build wealth and create economic opportunity for all SC residents including a focus on minority communities and other groups who have been left out of the economic mainstream. Learn more about SCACED here.

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Jonathan Nazeer joins SC Association for Community Economic Development as Capacity Building Program Director

CHARLESTON, S.C. — South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED) announced today the appointment of Jonathan Nazeer as Capacity Building Program Director. In his role, Nazeer will administer several programs designed to build capacity of the organization’s nonprofit members and build wealth in low-wealth communities.

An experienced advocate for underserved communities, Nazeer brings over twenty years of experience in community development, nonprofit management, marketing, and economic empowerment. He joins SCACED from serving as Co-founder and CEO of Victory Gardens International, a community garden and grocer located in Rock Hill, SC dedicated to spearheading community redevelopment through urban agriculture, food access, food production, and job creation in low-wealth communities. Under his leadership, Victory Gardens has been recognized for launching strategic programs that directly address food insecurity and youth workforce development, while cultivating sustainable, community-driven food systems. His experience with Victory Gardens led him to create a controlled environment agriculture facility, Innovation Gardens LLC, aimed at growing high-nutrient greens and empowering students at HBCUs across the East Coast with hands-on experience in modern agriculture. Prior to that, he worked in marketing and sales roles with ESPN radio affiliates where he spearheaded emerging media platforms and advertising to grow the digital footprint of each station.

In his new role at SCACED, Nazeer will leverage his extensive experience in community economic development to lead the expansion of the Community Development Institute (CDI) into a three-tier education and engagement model. This model will focus on certifying nonprofits, building economic capacity for small and minority businesses, and empowering grassroots organizations through community power-building initiatives. His expertise in nonprofit management, coupled with his hands-on experience in developing communities, positions him as a leader poised to make significant contributions to South Carolina’s community-driven economic development landscape.

“Jonathan will lead in a pivotal role by growing our capacity-building initiatives to support our statewide membership of nonprofits,” said Bernie Mazyck, President & CEO of SCACED. “We are excited to have him join our team and bring his on-the-ground experience in revitalizing communities to SCACED.  We look forward to leveraging his wealth of experience with community development industry.”

“I am thrilled to join the excellent team at SCACED,” said Nazeer. “It is an honor to be in a position to use my experience to purse my passion of driving sustainable change through innovative community-driven solutions.”

Jonathan’s leadership and success in community development was recognized by the City of Rock Hill, who selected him to join the City’s Planning Commission. He also serves on Rock Hill Economic Development Corporation’s Placemaking Committee.

About SCACED (www.scaced.org)

SCACED is a coalition of over 200 individuals and organizations who support the development of healthy and economically sustainable communities throughout South Carolina. For 30 years, SCACED and its members have worked collaboratively to build wealth and create economic opportunity for all SC residents including a focus on minority communities and other groups who have been left out of the economic mainstream. Learn more about SCACED here.

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Entrepreneur Minute – Bernie Mazyck, SC Association for Community Economic Development

As published in Lowcountry Biz SC

Lowcountry Biz SC recently interviewed SCACED President & CEO Bernie Mazyck for its "Entrepreneur Minute" segment. 

The Who’s on the Move, Entrepreneur Minute is an interview in support of the undeniable impact that entrepreneurs have on our communities. The publication will be highlighting 20 entrepreneurs in each of their markets (Columbia, Greenville and Charleston) with a short video as well as a full audio version of the conversation on our WhosOnTheMove SC podcast. You will see a diverse group of entrepreneurs, including some incredible innovators from the non profit world.

For 30 years, SCACED and its members have worked collaboratively to build wealth and create economic opportunity for all SC residents including a focus on minority communities and other groups who have been left out of the economic mainstream. After joining SCACED as President & CEO in 1998, Mazyck helped shepherd the growth of the community economic development movement in South Carolina from 4 organizations to over to over 200 nonprofits and organizations.

Watch the full video and listen to the full interview in the link below!

SC Association for Community Economic Development announces Leah Rothstein, Author & Housing Policy Leader, as a keynote speaker at 25th Annual Conference

As published in Lowcountry Biz SC

CHARLESTON, S.C. — South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED) is honored to announce Leah Rothstein, Co-author of Just Action and nonprofit consultant to housing developers, cities, and counties, as a keynote speaker for its annual conference, Opportunity SC: 2024. The 25th annual conference celebrates SCACED’s 30th Anniversary and is the largest comprehensive community development convention and forum in South Carolina.

Rothstein is co-author, with Richard Rothstein, of Just Action, a sequel to The Color of Law. While in The Color of Law, Mr. Rothstein described how government policy created residential segregation, Just Action describes how local community groups can begin to redress the wrongs of segregation. Ms. Rothstein has a demonstrated history of working on public policy and community change from the grassroots to the halls of government. She has led the Alameda and San Francisco probation departments’ research on reforming community corrections policy and practice to be focused on rehabilitation, not punishment. 

Rothstein also works as a consultant to nonprofit housing developers, cities and counties, redevelopment agencies, and private firms on community development and affordable housing policy, practice, and finance. Her policy work is informed by her years as a labor and community organizer, working on issues such as housing, environmental justice, workplace safety, and youth leadership.

“I look forward to sharing ideas and actionable insights gained from my experiences with local activists and community developers across the country,” said Rothstein. “Thank you to SCACED for hosting this forum to advance equitable housing solutions and community economic development in South Carolina.”

SC Association for Community Economic Development announces Charles Blow, NYT Bestselling Author, Columnist, & MSNBC Analyst as a keynote speaker at 25th Annual Conference

As published in Lowcountry Biz SC

CHARLESTON, S.C. — South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED) is proud to announce Charles Blow, New York Times Bestselling Author and Columnist, Analyst at MSNBC, as a keynote speaker for its annual conference, Opportunity SC: 2024. The 25th annual conference celebrates SCACED’s 30th Anniversary and is the largest comprehensive community development convention and forum in South Carolina.

Through his books, commentary on MSNBC, and now as an Op-Ed columnist at The New York Times, Blow tackles today’s most pressing issues with depth, nuance, and tremendous insight. Blow is the New York Times bestselling author of Fire Shut Up in My Bones, which won a Lambda Literary Award, the Sperber Prize, and appeared on numerous “best of” lists. His second book, The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto, draws on both his personal experience and observations of society to call for an end to systemic racism. Blow previously served as Graphics Director at New York Time, leading the paper to significant awards, and also worked as the Art Director of National Geographic Magazine and for The Detroit News. Blow is a prolific and insightful commentator on politics, public opinion, and social justice, often challenging those in power with clarity and candor.

Heralded for his forward-thinking coverage of American politics and society, as well as his skill in graphic design to create powerful narratives with compelling visuals, Blow is also an in-demand speaker and gifted moderator. He has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, SalonTV, CBS News, and regularly as an analyst on MSNBC, and has been featured in The Washington Post, The Ringer, Oprah Daily.

“I am excited to serve as a keynote speaker at Opportunity SC: 2024,” said Blow. “In celebration of SCACED’s 30th Anniversary, I look forward to sharing my perspectives and insights to the progress made in South Carolina and the work that lies ahead in ensuring an equitable future for South Carolina.”

Bernie Mazyck named 2024 Joseph P. Riley Leadership Award Recipient

Wednesday, May 22 marked a special occasion for SCACED's President & CEO, Bernie Mazyck, who received Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce's 2024 Joseph P. Riley Leadership Award at their Honors award ceremony in downtown Charleston! Named after one of the region’s most notable and popular leaders, the late father of former Mayor Joe Riley, this prestigious award recognizes an outstanding leader who has, through a lifetime of leadership, committed to making the community a better place to live, work and do business. Watch the tribute video above and check out the pictures below from the night. The full press release is also linked below!

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Reprinted from Lowcountry Biz SC

The Charleston Metro Chamber announced that Bernie Mazyck, President and CEO of SCACED, will be honored with the prestigious Joseph P. Riley Leadership Award at The Honors on May 22. Through his years of leadership, Bernie has proven to be an outstanding leader who is dedicated to enhancing our community.

Named after one of the region’s most notable and popular leaders, the late father of former Mayor Joe Riley, the Joseph P. Riley award was initiated in 1992 by the Charleston Metro Chamber. This prestigious award recognizes an outstanding leader who has, through a lifetime of leadership, committed to making the community a better place to live, work and do business. The recipients of this award are dedicated to serving and strengthening the Charleston community.

Since 1998, Bernie Mazyck has served as the first President and Chief Executive Officer of the South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development. SCACED is the state’s trade association and funding intermediary for Community Development Corporations, Community Development Financial Institutions, and grassroots economic development organizations. Through its network of members and partner organizations, SCACED strives to improve the quality of life for poor families and communities by providing innovative and sustainable solutions to low-wealth communities in South Carolina.

Since his time with SCACED, Bernie helped shepherd the growth of the community economic development movement in South Carolina from four organizations to over 200. Under Bernie’s leadership, SCACED and its member organizations developed projects valued at over $150 million, with an economic impact in South Carolina of over $350 million. Through SCACED’s members and partners, over 1,000 families purchased their first home, CED organizations created over 6,000 jobs and thousands of families built wealth in rural and distressed communities in South Carolina.

Leadership Salkehatchie meets with legislators in D.C.

Southern Palmetto Regional Chamber of Commerce's Enterick Lee, Director of Programs, recently visited Washington, D.C. with the 2024 cohort of Leadership Salkehatchie to meet with legislators and discuss successes and concerns of the Salkehatchie region and advocate for positive change for the region.

This year, the class met in person with Senator Lindsey Graham and Representative James Clyburn. The group also met with staff members from Senator Tim Scott’s and Representative Joe Wilson’s offices. Read more about their visit below!

Excerpt

The 2024 cohort of Leadership Salkehatchie spent its final session meeting with legislators in Washington, D.C.   Shelby Broomfield, director of the USC Salkehatchie Leadership Institute, says the trip provided a chance for participants to reflect on topics discussed and lessons learned throughout the program.

“The Washington D.C. trip is always exciting and provides an opportunity for the group to share what is happening in the Salkehatchie region,” Broomfield said. “Sharing stories, best practices, the wins, and the challenges with colleagues from various parts of the region brings about a sense of pride, increases knowledge and builds relationships.  The Leadership Salkehatchie class conveyed successes and concerns they have for the region directly with our legislators, while advocating for positive change for the region. I am proud of the members of the class of 2024 for their dedication to the communities they serve and their courage to use their voices for the betterment of the Salkehatchie region.”